2 BACOLOD COPS NAMED DRUG PROTECTORS

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) will validate reports that two of the
18 policemen in Western Visayas allegedly protecting jailed suspected
big-time drug lord, Jose Kim "Boy" Cuadra, are from Bacolod City.

Reports earlier indicated that 15 of the policemen were from Negros Occidental.

Mayor Luzviminda Valdez discussed the matter with Bacolod City Police
Director George Bajelot.

"Later on, the chief of police will be able to give some names because the
(two policemen) could be charged for grave misconduct for being protectors
of drugs," said Valdez.

She, however, added that the policemen will be given due process.

Senior Superintendent Bajelot, on the other hand, said he has ordered all
his station commanders to check their personnel and determine who among
them are involved in the illegal drug trade.

"I have talked with the mayor and we will check on it. As of now, we don't
have the names yet," said Bajelot.

He added that after they finish their investigation among the police
personnel, they will submit the names of the alleged drug protectors to the
regional office for appropriate action.

"We will submit our reports to the region, then they will be the one to
conduct the investigation based on our reports," said Bajelot.

Earlier, Negrso Occidental Gov. Joseph Maraqon and Negros Occidental
Provincial Police Director Vicente Ponteras urged the regional police
office to disclose the names of the alleged drug protectors.

Senior Supt. Felix Muchada, Western Visayas deputy regional director for
administration, earlier disclosed that 18 policemen in Region 6 are drug
protectors and 15 out of them are protecting Cuadra.

He, however, did not identify the policemen concerned.