The murder of PO3 Antonio Inihao Jr. during a surveillance operation in Lapu-Lapu City came a few days after seven police officers of the Cebu City Police Office face investigation for allegedly receiving bribes and releasing two drug suspects.
Inihao, who had been one of many (we’d like to believe) who are in the frontlines in the war against drug menace, died in the line of duty while the seven police officers were caught releasing two cousins who were arrested on charges of peddling drugs.
As a result, PO3 Robert Escarlan, PO3 Roy Ryan Cavalida, PO2 Arnulfo Reglamos, PO2 Dennis Mosqueda, PO2 Manuel Paez III, PO1 Perceival Eborlas and PO1 Ansar Madtahil were ordered reassigned to other, less sensitive posts, their fates uncertain until the results of the investigation are finalized.
In these news stories, we see the duality that bedevils the country’s police force. While we still have faith that there is no shortage of good, committed police personnel, there is the sad reality of the rotten eggs in the ranks who profit from their ties with drug peddlers.
There are reports that a key witness against the seven police officers have recanted his testimony — there is little doubt that the pressure came from those who stand to lose the most when these cops are prosecuted — which makes it difficult for the Police Regional Office to determine their guilt in the release of the two drug suspects.
Their alleged complicity is testament anew to the speculation that more of the city police’s ranks may have been polluted by those in cahoots with drug traffickers.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s call for these police officers to be dismissed from service simply isn’t enough to cover up public belief that drug activities have been gaining ground in the Queen City of the South. It certainly didn’t decline even when he had his choice of police chief. But that’s another story.
At the same time, the public need not just commiserate with Inihao’s family over their tragic loss, though the local police have issued their commendation and some rewards to the police officer’s family.
The coming days will probably bear out the police officer’s record in so far as his commitment to the campaign against drug menace, but his death is yet another grim reminder that drug traffickers won’t hesitate to inflict violence to further their deadly trade.
Community support and vigilance remain an essential, critical element in this war against drug menace. Through community vigilance, police officers will be held in check and kept honest while drug peddlers will be unwelcome regardless of their offers of money and protection.
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