Police chief in hot water

THE chief of police in Compostela town is in hot water for allegedly releasing a foreigner in exchange for P50,000 last Wednesday.

Cebu Provincial Police Office (CCPO) Director Noel Gillamac told reporters yesterday that Senior Insp. Samuel Romanillos will be subjected to an administrative investigation and may be relieved from his post.

Gillamac ordered the Provincial Intelligence Branch to determine if there is truth to the accusation.

Gillamac also said that the case against Ghanaian citizen Alexander Painstil who was allegedly caught sniffing marijuana can still be pursued.

Painstil was arrested Wednesday afternoon by roving policemen in barangay Poblacion after he was allegedly caught smoking a marijuana stick.

Painstil is married to a Filipina and is living in barangay Talisay, Daanbatayan town.

His car reportedly broke down in sitio Aegis, barangay Poblacion and while waiting for it to be fixed, he was smoking a marijuana stick.

Patrolling elements of Compostela Police Station arrested Painstil and was witnessed by the barangay captain.

However, Painstil’s Filipina wife reportedly offered P50,000 in exchange for his liberty.

Romanillos allegedly released Painstil and the record of his arrest was removed from the blotter.
In an earlier radio interview, Romanillos denied the allegations.

However, he admitted that they released those who were arrested because of traffic violations after paying the corresponding fines.

He also said that some of his men do not approve of his strict policies in the office and wanted him out as head of the police station.

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