GAPAN CITY – Two former police officers facing a string of criminal charges, including planting of evidence, separately surrendered on May 24.
Police identified the two as former Police Staff Sergeants Marlon Lazaga, 44, of Barangay Malaput, San Isidro town, and Percival Ladores, 36, of Barangay H. Concepcion, Cabanatuan City, both in Nueva Ecija.
Lazaga showed up at the city police station here at about 11 a.m. while Ladores surfaced at around 3 p.m., police said. They were both detained at the male custodial facility of the local police.
Records showed the duo who both served as investigators were, along with two other cops, subjects of arrest warrants for planting of evidence in relation to RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act), robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons, and perjury.
The Regional Trial Court Branch 36 recommended no bail for the planting of evidence, a crime provided for under Article II of RA 9165.
The charges stemmed from the arrest of a palay dealer from a Nueva Ecija town for alleged possession of illegal drugs. The dealer turned the table on the lawmen, alleging they took away his money.
Both suspects have denied the charges. The duo’s companions have reportedly surrendered in Olongapo City also on May 24.
They were dismissed from service by the Office of the Ombudsman where the complainant also lodged an administrative complaint against them, reports said.
