THE kin of former police officer Lito Pirote, who was abducted in April in Bacolod City, are asking Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde and President Rodrigo Duterte for help in locating the former officer.
Lalaine, Pirote’s sister, said in a press conference in Quezon City Tuesday, May 7, that they have not heard anything from his brother’s abductors since he was taken on April 19 from the Metro Inn Hotel in Bacolod.
At least eight men on board a white van forcibly took Pirote.
She said they have no clue as to where her brother is being held.
“Nananawagan po ako kay mahal na Presidente at PNP Chief (Oscar) Albayalde, tulungan ninyo po kaming mahanap ‘yung kapatid ko,” Lalaine said.
(I am asking the President and PNP Chief Albayalde to help us locate my brother.)
Lalaine said there is no evidence to support the allegation of dismissed Police colonel Eduardo Acierto that the government was behind Pirote’s abduction.
For his part, Albayalde said they are investigating Acierto’s claim.
“That is being investigated. Kausap ko ‘yung RD kanina. Meron silang mga CCTV footage dyan and I think they were able to get a conduction sticker nung sasakyan but then ‘yung conduction sticker hindi tugma doon sa sasakyan so this is part of the investigation that is being conducted by SITG Pirote,” he said.
(I talked to the RD a while ago. They have a CCTV footage showing the conduction sticker, but this was not a match to the vehicle used. This is part of the investigation being conducted by SITG Pirote.)
Albayalde said Pirote’s alleged involvement in illegal drugs must be among the motives for his abduction.
Pirote and Acierto, who were both members of the PNP’s anti-drug unit, were implicated in the illegal drugs trade. They were included in Duterte’s drugs watchlist.
They both earlier denied being involved in illegal drugs operations.
Lalaine said his brother was recognized by the PNP for his good deeds as a police officer. He could have never been involved in illegal drugs, she added. (SunStar Philippines)