CIDG drops probe on Maasin SAP hullabaloo after complainant recants

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

When the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Region 6 (CIDG-6) took to task local elected officials involved in alleged irregularities in the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP), the town of Maasin, Iloilo was the first to be investigated.

But the investigation was recently placed in the back burner, confirmed CIDG-6 regional director Police Lieutenant Colonel Gervacio Balmaceda.

Thanks, but no thanks to a complainant who backed out at the height of the probe.

 

“Without a complainant, wala kaming witness. Mahirap din mag secure ng documentary evidences,” Balmaceda said.

 

CIDG-Iloilo field unit initiated the probe over the SAP distribution in Maasin following complaints that several SAP beneficiaries were allegedly made to “donate” a portion of their P6,000 assistance.

A photo of what appeared to be a waiver that made rounds on Facebook stated that the beneficiary will voluntarily give P1,000 to his or her “kasimaryo” who was not included on the SAP list.

But it appeared that the Maasin case is not at all unique.

Balmaceda said they had two other cases in the region where the complainants also backed out.

 

“We recorded three cases, including the Maasin incident, where complainants have retracted after lodging their case. Siguro na-intimidate. Baka naligawan din para huwag ng ituloy,” he said.

 

Others chickened out because of fear that some family members might go against them or the majority of the villagers might ostracize them.

 

“May pressure talaga. Kaya dapat buo ang loob mo,” he said.

 

Balmaceda said they even had a case where they had to keep guard of the complainant the whole night.

 

“We received reports na baka gapangin kaya pinabantayan namin magdamag,” he said.

 

They also asked help from the Bacolod City Police Office (ICPO).

Meanwhile, as of May 28, 2020, the CIDG already filed criminal cases relative to SAP distribution.

Two cases are in Bacolod City and one each in Iloilo City, Capiz, and Negros Occidental.

Balmaceda said they have one case under investigation in Ajuy town, Iloilo.

Three cases – two in Bacolod City and one in Negros Occidental – are up for filing.