Relieved Molo cop using abandoned motorcycle

By Maricar M. Calubiran

One of the three cops who was recently relieved from Molo police precinct is using an abandoned motorcycle which was turned over to the police station two years ago.

A source told The News Today that SPO3 Rex Jabian has in his possession a Yamaha Krypton with plate number 9104. The motorcycle was turned over by Barangay Kagawad Augusto Drilon and Lourdene Lim to the police station last July 25, 2002.

Drilon and Lim found the motorcycle abandoned in Zone 3B, Calumpang, Molo in the morning of July 25, 2002. No ignition key was attached to the motorcycle when discovered by barangay officials. The turn-over of the motorcycle was entered on the police entry on the same day.

Other than the police entry, no records or follow up were made regarding the abandoned motorcycle. Police failed to establish the name of the owner though the plate number was attached to the unit. It was not established why the motorcycle was left at Calumpang.

The motorcycle was also properly documented by PO2 Henry Envultorio, then exhibit custodian of  Molo police precinct. Envultorio, however, was not reached for comment on why he allowed Jabian to possess the said motorcycle.

Jabian, on the other hand, was not in Camp Delgado when The News Today tried to get his reaction regarding the report. He is now assigned with the Regional Headquarters Service Company.

When asked for comment, Sr. Supt. Isagani Cuevas, PNP Director for Operations, said policemen are not allowed to use abandoned or impounded vehicles or any cars believed to be fruits of the crime. “They could be charged administratively,” he said.

Cuevas said if evidence warrants, erring cops will face dismissal from the police service for committing such offense. The case could be filed before the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS) in Camp Delgado.

Cuevas explained that evidences such as vehicles should be presented in court. The court will decide whether the vehicle would be turned over to the Regional Traffic Management Office.

For the firearms, the arresting officer will also present the evidence in court. It is also the court which decides whether it would be kept in court or be brought to the Firearms and Explosive Office in Camp Delgado.

He added that the chief of police or the city police director could initiate an investigation and file administrative complaint to the concerned police personnel. It was learned the same malpractice is happening in other police stations.

Cuevas hinted that there is an ongoing investigation against police personnel in Zarraga, Iloilo for taking away some parts of an impounded vehicle. He did not mention who among the cops are under probe.

The DRDO said policemen are always reminded on the rules and procedures on the preservation of evidence.