PNP probing if suspect who allegedly attacked cops works for Cagayan mayor

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 2 is validating reports that a suspect arrested for allegedly attacking cops during an anti-illegal logging operation supposedly works for a mayor in Cagayan.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Sunday, PNP Region 2 director Police Brigadier General Crizaldo Nieves added they are also validating reports that the group of arrested suspect Ernest Sibbaluca is being protected by a mayor.

“Actually, vina-validate nga namin 'yan,” Nieves said.

“'Yun ang sinasabi, but, alam mo mahirap magsalita until we have confirmed it. Finile naman namin ang kaso. Sa akin naman, kahit sino naman ang backer niya, e 'di isama natin kung kailangan basta may ebidensiya,” he added.

Upon receiving these reports, Nieves said the concerned provincial commanders and chief of police were instructed to probe into the extent of involvement of politicians in the illegal activity.

“We have given instruction to the provincial commander and the chief of police para malaman kung ano ang extent ng involvement,” he said.

Aside from politicians, Nieves said they are also investigating if the local police and other agencies are also involved.

On Saturday, PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas ordered a province-wide manhunt against alleged illegal loggers suspected of assaulting police in Cagayan on Thursday.

The Cagayan Provincial Information Office said Police Lieutenant Randy Baccay was wounded after gunmen fired at him and several policemen past 7 p.m. in Barangay Minanga, Lagtum Area.

Earlier, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año  said some mayors are involved in illegal mining and logging operations.

These illegal activities were blamed for the widespread flooding that was experienced in Cagayan and Isabela during the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News