Cops admit evidence was planted in Batangas buy-bust ops

Two police personnel involved in a buy-bust operation in San Juan, Batangas which resulted in the death of a drug suspect admitted that the shabu and gun used as evidence were planted.

Bryan Laresma, 33, was killed on the evening of May 28 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Lipahan.

During the hearing of House committee in public order and safety, Police Sergeant Michie Perez of the San Juan Municipal Police Station initially claimed that she shot Laresma since the drug suspect fired his gun first.

Perez further said that she acquired more than 4 grams of shabu from Laresma.

The hearing revealed that Laresma was shot in the rear part of his leg, making Perez's claim questionable.

Laresma’s brother earlier said the former was waiting for him under the bridge to hand over money to purchase a rechargeable fan when the police arrived.

The Batangas Police Provincial Office also found irregularities in the conduct of the buy-bust operation, leading to the administrative relief of the eight police officers.

Due to time constraints, Perez was denied of her request for an executive session.

She said she will instead submit a new affidavit as there were lapses in her previous statement on their operation.

She then confirmed that the buy-bust operation and exchange of gunshots with Laresma did not happen.

She also confirmed that Laresma did not have any gun with him when the supposed encounter happened.

Meanwhile, Police Major Sgt. Juan Macaraig, also of the San Juan Municipal Police, revealed that Perez planted the shabu and gun under the bridge where Laresma was killed.

He also confirmed that there was no buy-bust operation.

Before the hearing was suspended, Perez and Macaraig were asked to submit an affidavit of their new claims.—AOL, GMA Integrated News