FOUR police officers in Liloan town were accused by a barangay health worker of stealing her valuables after they arrested her husband and nephew at their home in Barangay Cotcot, Liloan town, at 9 p.m. last July 1.
In her complaint, 54-year-old Sarah Pilare accused SPO2 Bryan Batiquin, SPO1 Romel Butaya, PO3 Niel Taile and PO1 Jose Ortega of stealing the shoes of her husband Rito Pilare and her P30,000 bracelet.
Pilare’s husband and 48-year-old nephew Gil Benabaye were arrested by the four police officers after they found a homemade pistol and drug paraphernalia during a drug bust at their home.
Pilare admitted that her husband was a user but not a pusher and that she kept reminding him to kick his habit. She also admitted that the police officers found one revolver in her husband’s possession.
But she claimed that the drug paraphernalia was planted by police on her husband after the latter and her nephew arrived at the Liloan police precinct for processing.
Pilare said she will file administrative charges against the four police officers at the Cebu Provincial Police Office. Her husband and nephew reportedly posted P40,000 bail each.
Supt. Milbert Glade Esguera, Liloan police chief, denied Pilare’s allegations and said he will uphold the results of any investigation into the incident.
He also said that contrary to Pilare’s claim, her husband wasn’t a drug surrenderer.
Batiquin confirmed that they conducted a drug bust on Pilare but denied stealing valuables from their home.