By Pearl Gumapos
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar assured the public that mechanisms for a thorough review of all cases that have been dismissed by courts, especially those relating to illegal drugs operations, are now in place.
Eleazar said in a press release that these mechanisms are for the institution of possible adjustments in the conduct of police operations, where deviations from protocols and procedure are committed which would cause the dismissal of the case.
The Chief’s assurance came after local rapper Marlon Peroramas (also known as Loonie) asked Eleazar to conduct an investigation on the police officers involved in the drug operation that resulted in Peroramas’ arrest in 2019, claiming that the policemen planted evidence.
Peroramas’ case was dismissed by the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 64 due to failure of police personnel to follow the ‘chain of custody’ rule.
“Kasama sa inutos kong imbestigasyon ay ang pagtutok sa lahat ng aspeto kung bakit na-dismiss ang kaso laban sa rapper na si Loonie at ang kanyang kasamahan. Maliwanag na na-dismiss ang kaso dahil sa teknikalidad sa isyu ng rules on chain of custody, at ito ang gusto nating tutukan upang hindi na maulit pa,” Eleazar said.
“Ang panawagan niya na imbestigahan ang mga pulis na involved sa ginawang operasyon laban sa kanya ay kasama na sa isinasagawang pag-review ng Committee on Dismissed Drug Cases ng Southern Police District sa kanyang na-dismiss na kaso. At kung makitaan ng kumite na may pagkakamali ang mga pulis na iyon, makakaasa sya na mananagot ang kung sino man ang may kasalanan,” he added.
Eleazar explained that the Committee on Dismissed Drug Cases is responsible for evaluating dismissed cases that include misconduct or irregularities that could have been committed by police officers involved.
In case of irregularity, the committee will refer the case folder to the appropriate units concerned for the conduct of pre-charge investigation.
“There are already existing policies to identify our strengths and immediately address our weaknesses in the performance of our mandate. At tinututukan natin ang lahat ng ito upang makatiyak kung nasusunod ba ito ng maayos,” Eleazar said.
“Itong lahat namang ito ay bahagi ng ating ipinapatupad na reporma sa PNP alinsunod sa inilunsad nating Intensified Cleanliness Policy. Hindi lang ang buong kapulisan ang makikinabang dito, kundi lalo na ang ating mga kababayan,” the Chief added.
Eleazar earlier said the PNP is already reviewing the protocols to ensure that the rule on chain of custody is strictly being followed during police operations. – jlo
