DRUG SUSPECTS. Police Staff Sergeant Elcelito Colita (right), desk officer of Marilog Police Station in Davao City, and Glenn Art Laurel Muring (in stripe shirt), are presented to the media on Thursday morning (October 3) following their arrest during a buy-bust operation on Wednesday evening. The two suspects were placed under the custody of Talomo police station for filing of appropriate charges for violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA Photo by Che Palicte)
DAVAO CITY -- A police personnel and a companion, who is a brother of a police officer assigned at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Bgy. Obrero here on Wednesday evening.
Brig. Gen. Marcelo Morales, director of Police Regional Office 11 (PRO-11), in a press briefing on Thursday identified the suspects as S/Sgt. Elcelito Colita, desk officer of Marilog Police Station here, and Glenn Art Laurel Muring.
Muring is the brother of Maj. Peter John Muring, chief of the administrative branch of DCPO.
Morales said Muring has been monitored since his apprehension for illegal drugs three years ago.
The suspect was temporarily released under a plea-bargaining agreement in court. Morales said the Talomo Police Station Drug Enforcement Team coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to launch a buy-bust operation against the two suspects.
“I can’t contain my emotions upon hearing that again one of my men was involved in illegal drug activities. I am furious and sad at the same time, that despite the efforts under my command, a police officer was involved in illegal drugs,” Morales said.
Police said Muring yielded eight sachets of shabu worth PHP10,500, a firearm and ammunition, and other pieces of evidence.
Police said they seized from Colita's possession a 9mm caliber pistol, marked money; a black motorcycle, and other pieces of evidence.
"Muring was the target of the buy-bust operation because he was being monitored and was included on the Directorate for Intelligence watch list. But during the operation, personnel from Talomo Police were surprised of the presence of Colita who received the buy-bust money," Morales said.
Colita was relieved from the service, including his superior, Capt. Merlito Tubog, commander of the Marilog police station.
Muring's brother, the police major, was also put on a floating status. "We'll investigate if he has a participation on his brother's case. If none, he will undergo retraining and reorientation.
He knows the whereabouts of his brother [Glenn], and he is supposed to deliver concrete action on it because he is a police officer," Morales explained.
Colita, who has been in the service for eight years, will also face administrative charges. The two arrested suspects were placed under the custody of Talomo police station for filing of appropriate case for violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Meanwhile, Morales confirmed that 10 more police personnel are being monitored by PRO-11 for their alleged involvement to illegal drugs. Of the 10, three are officers and seven are Non-Commissioned Officers.
“I am directing all the station commanders to closely monitor your personnel. If we catch your personnel, you will also be charged administratively,” Morales warned. (PNA)
