PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. (PNA file photo)
MANILA – Beleaguered chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) Col. Hansel Marantan and 12 other police officers are not yet off the hook despite the retraction of the extortion allegations lodged against them, the country's top cop said Monday.
In a chance interview with reporters at the Department of Justice (DOJ) main office in Manila, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said they still have to validate and study the affidavit issued by the group.
“Whether it was done voluntarily or under duress, there is investigation being conducted by the IAS (Internal Affairs Service), we will know the summary of the truth on that affidavit of desistance or denial. What is clear there is there is an operation of the CIDG-NCR, there was an arrest made and we have to determine criminal and administrative liability,” Azurin said.
“They have to confirm what they have signed and submitted. Why is there such a report that something was lost and was returned and suddenly, the story was reversed,” he added.
In their sworn affidavit dated March 16, the Chinese nationals debunked reports that the CIDG-NCR personnel extorted money from them.
“Aside from the pieces of evidence they have recovered during their operation, the CIDG-NCR never took money or any personal belongings from the undersigned,” a portion of the affidavit stated.
The affiants Lin Andan, Yi Aile, Li Meiyi, Xiao Yan, Nian Xian, Zhang Fui, Jimmy Jutang, Wu Wei Long, Niu Howy, Lei Wen, A Shui, Peng Jun and Ki Kin further stated that they were immediate released from detention.
After their release, the office of Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for administration requested them to file a complaint against the CIDG-NCR personnel.
Seeing no irregularity committed against them, the group refused and also stated that they are not and do not “intend in the future to file any case, criminal, civil or administrative case before the PNP, against the CIDG-NCR personnel who were part of the operation."
Marantan and 12 CIDG-NCR members were relieved from their posts amid allegations that they took expensive watches and other personal belongings from the group whom they arrested due to illegal gambling on March 13.
Azurin, meanwhile, said while the Chinese nationals may not file criminal charges against the involved personnel, he said the police force should determine the culpability of the involved officers with regard to violation of police operational procedures.
“Definitely, there was an operation that was conducted and how come there were no inquest proceedings that were made. They were arrested and their case is inquestable,” he said.
‘Face the music’
In a statement, Marantan said he and his officers are ready to face their accusers anytime to clear their names over allegations of extortion.
“I maintain that me and my men are ready and willing to undergo an impartial investigation into the matter, and we trust in the wisdom of the PNP command," Marantan said in a statement.
“If there are erring policemen by all means, we punish them, including me. The quick and just resolution of this matter would not only benefit us, but our families who have been exposed to unjust ridicule because of these accusations,” he added.
Marantan said he has yet to receive a copy of the affidavit but said he welcomes this development as part of the broader investigation of the incident.
Last week, CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. ordered the relief of Marantan, two other officers and 10 police non-commissioned officers from their post over the incident.
Caramat, however, clarified that the relief of Marantan was based on the concept of command responsibility since those involved were his officers. (PNA)
