Cops told to review S.O.P. on arrests
Police Regional Office (PRO 6) regional director Chief Supt. Wilfredo Dulay Sr. urged all unit commanders to let their men review the standard operating procedure (SOP) on effecting arrest to ensure that their case will stand in court.
This is based on the result of the meeting of National Police Commission (Napolcom) Technical Committee on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held at Napolcom Makati City on May 16, 2007, which revealed that several criminal cases were dismissed because of the negligence of arresting officers to apprise the suspect of his constitutional rights.
"Failure of the police in informing the suspects of his rights as contained in the Miranda Doctrine could be fatal in the case," Dulay said adding "despite the strength of evidence, a case may be dismissed for not complying with the technicalities."
Dulay ordered that review on arrest S.O.P. must be included among the topics for Police Information and Continuing Education (PICE) in all police units.
"It is lamentable that many criminal elements defied prosecution because our arresting officers forgot to apprise them of their rights," Dulay quipped.
Meanwhile, Dulay directed the City and Provincial Directors to ensure the vicinity of all election canvassing sites, especially in areas where the contest between candidates is very close; and, where any of the candidates have the capability and/or tendency to resort to violent acts to dictate the outcome of the political process in their favor.
"We our fortunate that ours (election) was very peaceful," Dulay previously announced noting very minimal election-related violent incidents that transpired in the area.
As reported earlier, only three fatalities were recorded in Western Visayas: Brgy Kagawad Melbert Camariosa in Brgy Igdampog Sur, Tubungan; Elesio Gumawas in Escalante City; and, Oscar Trabucon in Laua-an, Antique.
According to Dulay, the results of gun ban, the massive deployment of police in polling centers and the intensified checkpoint operations yielded the peaceful and orderly conduct of May 14 elections.
(PIO-PRO 6)