The newly installed head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bacolod, Chief Insp. Fernando Salvatierra, yesterday vowed to respect human rights and said no torture of suspects will happen during his watch.

Salvatierra assumed office on Monday after a formal turnover ceremony at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City officiated by CIDG Region 6 chief, Senior Supt. Eddie Benigay.

Salvatierra filled in the post that had been declared vacant for almost six months now after Chief Insp. Ernor Melgarejo, his personnel Senior Police Officer 1 Rosendo Bersal and Police Officer 2 Edney Matillano were relieved in October last year by CIDG Director General Samuel Pagdilao.

Their relief stemmed from the torture complaints of three men linked to the robbery and rape of a German national in September.

CIDG-6 Supt. Julius Ongkiko had assumed as Officer-in-charge them.

Salvatierra, who was previously assigned at the CDG Office in Iloilo, told the DAILY STAR that among the programs he is implementing is the campaign against illegal gambling in Bacolod City through “Oplan Roulette”.

He said that he will implement the flagship programs of CIDG that include accounting of most wanted personalities through “Oplan Pagtugis” and intensify the campaign against loose firearms and private armed groups.

CIDG Bacolod will intensify its monitoring and neutralization of criminal gangs and organized crime groups in the city and closely work with the ten police stations for the quiet resolution of sensational cases, Salvatiera also said.

But, he also said that the problem is that CIDG-Bacolod lacks personnel as there are only two policemen assigned there now.*APN

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