The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs cited two police officers for contempt over alleged inconsistencies in their statements during a hearing on Wednesday, April 19.
During the hearing on the murder of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and other violence in Negros Oriental, Philippine National Police – Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-PDEG) - Region 6 Police Staff Sergeant Noel Alabata and Negros Oriental Police Staff Sergeant Redevic Rizaldo were cited for contempt upon the motion made by Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
Alabata is tagged as the hitman who attacked two businessmen Jason Ong and Sandy Tinguha in Mang Atchan restaurant in Dumaguete City two years ago.
The two businessmen, who were also present during the hearing, said it was suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves who ordered Alabata to kill them.
"Kasi si Arnie, Mr. Chair, meron siyang Arnie Chicken tapos gusto niya kunin 'yung business namin na Tocino-han po," one businessman told lawmakers when asked what was Teves' motive to kill them.
In a report of the Dumaguete City Police Station, two firearms were seized from Alabata when he was caught.
However, the cop denied that he carried firearms despite the police report and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage evidence.
"Nagsinungaling siya na wala siyang dalang baril, contrary to the report of the chief of police na meron siyang dalang baril na kinuha sa kaniya," Estrada pointed out.
Alabanta also denied that he knew the person who paid the ₱120,000 bail for his temporary freedom from detention.
"Himala! Hindi mo alam? Galing sa langit 'yung pyansa mo? Bigla na lang, labas ka na, wala ka ng kaso?" Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa questioned the police officer.
Meanwhile, Rizaldo, who was formerly assigned to Bayawan City Police and former security escort of Teves, were also cited contempt for failing to remember the blotter report of a political victim in Negros Oriental.
The two police officer will be spending their long weekend in a detention cell.
