PNP recovers via backup 545 case folders of Caloocan Police station gutted by fire

The Philippine National Police-Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management has recovered 545 case folders from Caloocan City Police Station which was gutted by fire last week.

DIDM chief Director Augusto Marquez Jr said Thursday they were able to secure the case folders through the Case Information Data-based Management System (CIDMS) which serves as a repository or back up of the investigation documents.

He said once a case folder was uploaded to the CIDMS, it is retrievable via the internet through an activated user account.

He said the system is also capable of generating data and report which can be used as reference for checking criminal records and perform cross-referencing of case.

“With the advent of the CIDMS, the 545 victims/complainants in the cases are assured that inspite of the unfortunate fate suffered by the Caloocan City Police Station, justice will be served upon them,” said Marquez.

The fire at Caloocan City Police Station on November 14, 4:30 a.m., destroyed offices including those of the Investigation Section.

“The fire destroyed the Investigation office including all case folders/documents there. The case folder contains all documents or records of the investigation, some of which are vital pieces of evidence which is material in the filing of an airtight case or successful prosecution of the suspect,” Marquez said.

Among the files destroyed by the fire were from the investigation on the killings of teenagers Kian Delos Santos and Carl Angelo Arnaiz, who allegedly perished in Caloocan police operations.

The Caloocan police earlier said “most likely” these files had been burned up, but assured the public that there are copies of the files elsewhere. — MDM, GMA News