‘Influential persons’ push release; La Trinidad PNP chief denies Benguet ‘CPLA’ contractor held for gun during bidding

By March L. Fianza

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet - A public works contractor could not find a solid explanation after he was caught displaying a Cal.45 pistol inside the compound where the bidding for infrastructure projects was on process at the Department of Public Works and Highways – First Benguet Engineering District in Wangal, La Trinidad last Holy Wednesday.
    In a report submitted by La Trinidad police chief Maj. Cliff Vencio to Benguet police director Col. Reynaldo Pasiwen, the gun-toting contractor identified as Oscar M. Dodon, 54, owner of Rocky 5G Builders, was arrested based on a tip forwarded by an unidentified informant.
    The report said Dodon was carrying a gun while inside the compound with other men in the DPWH-BED1 compound while bidding on public works projects was about to proceed.
    The Cal .45 pistol that was found in his pocket was unlicensed and its serial number erased.
    Reliable news sources added, Dodon introduced himself as deputy commander of the long -disbanded militia group Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA).
    He was also said to be one of the “favorite” contractors of Benguet caretaker congressman Eric Go Yap.
    There was no confirmation from Rep. Yap if Dodon was really close to him, or was only using the legislator’s name to intimidate other bidders, including members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) in the DPWH-BED1.
    A reliable source said influential personalities tried to call the police station and demanded that Dodon be released in their custody but Maj. Vencio said that cannot be granted as doing so will certainly put the police hierarchy in Benguet in a shameful situation.  
    An unidentified contractor said the bidders who were present that day were bidding for a road improvement project along the Andres Cosalan road (Bokod-Kabayan-Buguias roadline) worth around P70 million.