Bigger responsibility More than 16,000 police officers promoted to a higher rank take their oath at Camp Crame. ANALY LABOR The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday awarded medals to more than 20 policemen involved in the controversial raids conducted this month on Time Bar in Makati which yielded an assortment of illegal drugs.

The awarding ceremony was held during the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame with PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde in attendance.

Among those who received Medalya ng Kagitingan for their accomplishment include Makati Police chief Senior Supt. Rogelio Simon and all members of the Makati Police’s Station Drug Enforcement Unit.

Albayalde assured the awardees of legal assistance should they face charges in connection with the Makati bar raid.

On the same day, Albayalde also administered the oath to more than 16,000 police officers promoted to a higher rank.

“This system of reward and punishment should give our personnel enough motivation to perform better, and fair warning not to deviate from our sworn duty as servants and protectors of the people,” Albayalde said.

“I extend the warmest congratulations of the national leadership to 16,840 Police Commissioned Officers and Police Non-Commissioned Officers who were promoted to higher rank today, during the simultaneous mass oath-taking ceremonies at the PNP National Headquarters and Police Regional Offices and Units nationwide,” he added.

Makati City prosecutors set for 28 August the preliminary investigation on the arrested lawyers.

Romel Odronia, senior assistant city prosecutor said there is a need to conduct further investigation to hear the side of the lawyers and determine if their actions can be deemed as constructive possession of drugs seized in the bar.

Lawyers Lenie Rocel Rocha, Jan Vincent Soliven, and Romulo Bernard Alarkon were arrested in the afternoon of 16 August but were released after 24 hours.

The lawyers underwent inquest proceedings on charges of constructive possession of illegal drugs, obstruction of justice, resistance and disobedience to persons of authorities, and violation of a city ordinance that bars civilians from crossing a police line.

Meanwhile, Makati Mayor Mar-len Abigail Binay said drug dealers and users have no place in her city.

She warned owners of business establishments in the city to stay away from drugs.

“We are determined to banish illegal drugs from our communities, especially in establishments like bares where drug dealing can easily become part of the services offered to clients because of unscrupulous owners,” Binay said.

The Time Bar raid sparked a howl from several lawmakers and lawyers’ groups when the police detained three lawyers representing the bar owner for allegedly obstructing the implementation of a valid search warrant.

In separate statements, Sen. Richard Gordon and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon defended the lawyers, saying they were just doing their job.

Gordon warned that the Makati police involved in the raid may be sued for arbitrary detention.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines also denounced the arrest of the three lawyers while the Commission on Human Rights said it will investigate the incident.

The first raid conducted on 11 August 11 resulted to the seizure of 850 grams of shabu with an estimated worth of P6.15 million and the arrest of 31 drug suspects. Over a hundred bar patrons were also held for questioning.