SOME POLICE OFFICERS BEHIND GAMBLING, DRUGS: MANDING

* Says he'll willingly to name names if there is an official
investigation

* These ranking officials also protectors of "last 2" and pirated CDs
and VCDs

* Urges investigation and re-shuffle of station commanders

DAVAO City Councilor Amilbangsa T. Manding on Monday appealed for an
investigation on reports that some ranking police officials in the
city are allegedly protecting illegal activities like "last two,"
illegal drug trade and sale of pirated compact discs.

Manding refused to name these police officials, but vowed to identify
them if proper investigation is conducted.

He said he will not be afraid to identify these policemen if there
will be an investigation. Illegal activities must be stopped so as not
to waste the efforts of the mayor against illegal drugs, he added.

Manding said he has learned of the operation of nine drug pushers from
a coastal area in the city.

In fact, the police arrested three of the nine illegal drug peddlers
already. One was arrested last April 23 but is out after their
financier paid the police P70,000. A certain Michael paid P120,000 for
his freedom and a lesbian also P21,000 just to get out of jail,"
Manding said.

Manding said some close associates of the drug pushers themselves
were, however, hesitant to tell him about the illegal activities for
fear of reprisal.

The people in the community were the ones who informed me that the
drug pushers in their area were already worried that they will soon be
killed, Manding said.

Manding added that three of the nine illegal drug pushers signified
interest to execute affidavit against the police officials who are
said to be protectors of illegal activities.

Help Sought

"I also want to talk to Mayor Duterte regarding the matter to also
provide protection to my informants," Manding said.

Manding even suggested that it would be better for the Davao City
Police Office (DCPO) to re-shuffle the assignment of station
commanders in the city.

Aside from the protection given to illegal drugs trafficker, Manding
said there is a police unit who continuously protects vendors of
pirated video compact discs.

The group reportedly collects P70 for every vendor they are free to
sell their goods even if it is illegal.

With regards to the continued operation of "last two," Manding said
the police would get around P6,000 to P16,000 monthly from the
gambling coordinators.

Manding said he can attest for his statements but he, likewise, asked
the cooperation of those who are willing to testify against erring
police officials.