Sunday, March 02, 2008 Bautista to Gonzalez: Show evidence against cop-protectors By Jay D. Balnig
SENIOR Superintendent Norlito Bautista recently challenged Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. to show proof on the alleged protection of several cops for the drug trade in the city.
Though his name was not directly mentioned by Gonzalez during the latter's recent statement, Bautista felt he was the one that was linked to a claim of a "high ranking official of the PNP who was given a mobile car by a drug lord."
He said in a radio interview that Gonzalez claimed that there are five police officials, two city officials and several private persons involved in illegal drug trade protection in the city.
Bautista said that he does not speak only for himself but also for the rest of his colleagues, whose careers are now related to drug protection.
As for himself, he said he is ready to submit himself for an investigation on the said allegation.
Gonzalez earlier said he based his claims on a dossier he received from a very reliable source.
Earlier, City Councilor Erwin Plagata also reacted to claims that a "city councilor is involved in drug protection."
In an interview, he admitted that he knew a certain Melvin "Boyet" Odicta, whose surname was mentioned by Gonzalez in several interviews as one of the drug traders in the city.
Plagata, chairman of the committee on police matters said, he is willing to resign should Gonzalez prove his link to the drug trade here.
Meanwhile, PRO 6s Director, Chief Superintendent Isagani Cuevas, said he is now doing a validation on the alleged involvement of several policemen under his command on the protection of illegal drug trade. (JDB)
