GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 07 March) – Seven police officers in Region 12 are under investigation due to various complaints, including alleged involvement in criminal activities. Lawyer Richard Opinion, intelligence and investigation chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 internal affairs service, said on Friday the complaints were received by their office starting January. He described some of the cases as “very controversial.” PRO-12 has jurisdiction over the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, and Kidapawan. Opinion expressed concern over the involvement of policemen in successive controversies, particularly under the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO). While he did not provide case details, sources revealed one incident involved the arrest of Police Staff Sgt. Rex Jalandoni, assigned to the Highway Patrol Group in South Cotabato, for alleged involvement in smuggling activities. Jalandoni was the driver of a van carrying smuggled cigarettes from Indonesia, which crashed during a pursuit operation in General Santos City on February 20. Another complaint cited a policeman’s alleged involvement in a car theft scheme called “Labas Casa Talon.” Additional complaints included four policemen from Barangay Mabuhay accused of mauling a civilian and a policeman from Barangay Lagao linked to a rape case. Opinion stated the cases are under investigation and reiterated reminders for police personnel to avoid controversies and illegal activities. He emphasized that most officers in the region remain committed to their duties and are not involved in such activities. (Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews)
