PNP chief orders probe on CIDG personnel for ethical issues

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – The PNP national headquarters police ordered the investigation of a personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) here for alleged violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Police Major General Marni Marcos, PNP director for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), said in a letter to John Chiong, founder and national commander of Task Force Kasanag, Friday that the Office of the Chief PNP has received his letter requesting the investigation on Chief Master Sergeant Ramiro Gocotano of CIDG Regional Field Unit-6 .

Marcos said that the Office of the Chief PNP has received the letter-complaint and was referred to his office for appropriate action

Marcos further said that Chiong’s letter was forwarded to the Director of CIDG for the conduct of the investigation and to file appropriate charges if evidence warrants.

Earlier, Chiong told reporters that complaints reached his office that a suspect arrested by CIDG operatives headed by Gocotano in buy-bust operation was seen “roaming freely in the town.”

He said the suspect who was arrested for gunrunning was reportedly released after the reglementary detention period has lapsed.

During the arrest of the suspect on Oct 27, 2020, several ammunitions and firearm and identification cards were confiscated in his possession and control, including the TFK ID which Chiong claimed was fake.

Chiong questioned why the suspect was released and the charges of illegal possession of firearms were not filed against him through inquest proceeding when he was “caught” in a buy-bust operation.

He said it is very questionable why the charges will be filed through “regular filing” with the lapse of the detention period.

Chiong said the CIDG operatives are in the position to file the charges immediately and inquest the suspect.

“There is something suspicious here,” he said.

Chiong said that he also filed charges of falsification of document, forgery, and misrepresentation against the arrested suspect, Joevel Sumugat for the fake TFK ID recovered in his possession against the arrested suspect.

He said TFK members strongly adhere to its advocacy against illegal drugs and other illegal activities as well against criminalities, injustice, graft and corruption.