2 weeks ago
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CEBU CITY — The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) will not intervene in the cases of two Mandaue City police officers arrested in Cebu City for separate criminal offenses, saying the law applies to all and those involved in wrongdoing will face consequences.
PRO-7 spokesman Col. Arvie Aserre Paraon-Bueno made the statement in reaction to the arrest of SSgt. Niesel Arizo Pescante and Cpl. Ivan Labra in separate operations.
Bueno stressed that the regional leadership is not tolerating any violations by members of the police force.
She added that those who break the law must undergo disciplinary action and face both criminal and administrative charges. The two officers are now in separate custodial facilities.
Pescante, tagged as a high-value individual in the drug trade, was arrested in a buy-bust operation on April 6 in Barangay Mambaling.
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Police recovered P408,000 worth of shabu, marked money, and various IDs, including his police ID. He is assigned at MCPO Station 6 and resides in Barangay San Vicente, Liloan.
A day later, Labra was arrested in Barangay Sapangdaku after allegedly mauling and pointing a firearm at a civilian while off duty and reportedly intoxicated.
Police said the victim, 32-year-old Nerson Rosaceña Almario, was attacked without provocation.
In response to these incidents, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia called on law enforcement leaders to take decisive action against officers who abused their authority.
Garcia said police officers, as enforcers of the law, must be held to higher standards.
He emphasized that there should be no whitewashing and that law enforcers who commit violations must be prosecuted, just like any other citizen.
He urged the police hierarchy to identify personnel who misuse their power and ensure that necessary charges are filed. Garcia also pointed out that public trust in the police must not be betrayed, as people rely on them for safety.
Meanwhile, Bueno explained that values formation remains part of police training but acknowledged that it cannot be forced on those unwilling to embrace it.
She said some officers may choose to disregard these values despite being taught.
However, she maintained that the recent incidents are isolated cases and do not represent the entire police force. PRO-7, she added, continues to push professionalism and discipline within the ranks.
