Cop chief sacked due to missing marijuana

By Dexter A. See

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – A former municipal police chief was sacked while 16 of his men were recommended for demotion and suspension over the controversial missing marijuana case that was s ource of gossip in the province the past months.

Officials said Senior Insp. Bernardo Capela, former chief of the Kapangan police station, was recommended for dismissal, benefits forfeited and permanently disqualified from re-employment in the government for allegedly masterminding the hiding of marijuana bricks and stalks confiscated in Kapangan last February.

A white Toyota Tamaraw FX loaded with 100 kilos of marijuana was intercepted by the local police but was not completely turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for proper documentation and disposal.

The policemen allegedly freed the arrested suspect and left the confiscated items with the municipal police and later only submitted 40 kilos of the illegal drugs to the PDEA in two separate occasions.

Upon learning that the matter had reached higher authorities, Capela reportedly ordered his men to burn the remaining marijuana bricks and stalks that were kept at the police office.

Four other police officers, SPO1 Melvin Cante, PO3 Depayso Mondero and SPO2 Santos Valentin were recommended for a one rank demotion for serious neglect of duty.

PO1 Julius Luis, who could not be demoted, was recommended a 90-day suspension.