DEATH PENALTY PROPOSED FOR DRUGLORD, PROTECTORS

Negros Occidental Rep. Apolinario Lozada has proposed that suspected drug
trafficker William Gan and his alleged protectors from the Philippine
National Police (PNP) be executed by lethal injection upon conviction.

Lozada said the erring police officials should be meted this punishment for
violating their sacred task to protect the people against criminal elements.

"Their sacred task is to protect the people against criminal elements and
yet they are the ones protecting the enemy of the state and the people,"
Lozada said. "Is this their definition of their vow to protect and to serve
the Filipino people?"

Lozada said the police officers involved in drug trafficking should top the
list of convicts in death row to impress upon the citizenry that the
government is keen on punishing erring government officials.

"Police officers who have been found guilty of involvement in illegal drugs
should top the list of convicts in death row," he said.

Lozada said the revelation of Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay that
top cops protect Gan is very disheartening and demoralizing, particularly,
for the policemen who are campaigning against illegal drugs.

He also urged the PNP to secure Gan and prevent his escape.

"Gan's escape from maximum security cell and flight to other country is
highly probable. He has millions to pay his guards and police officials. He
can even get away with his crime since he has lots of money to pay his
defense attorney," the legislator said.

Lozada said Aglipay should now name the officials allegedly protecting Gan.

"If the police is quick to identify even suspected criminals, they should
be as quick in identifying the police officers protecting underworld
characters," he said.

Lozada said Aglipay should immediately unmask police officers allegedly
protecting Gan.

"The people, particularly the families who have been shattered by the
illegal drug menace and the men and women in the police force who have put
their lives on the line to ensure a drug-free society, have the right to
know the identities of these hooligans in uniforms," he said.

Lozada said the arrest, imprisonment and death of the police officers via
lethal injection will boost the morale of the policemen and women who have
been fighting the illegal drug problem.