By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has ordered the dismissal of 11 Special Action Force (SAF) police officers from the service for their involvement in the moonlighting mess that was discovered inside a posh village in Muntinlupa in May.
This was announced by PNP spokesperson Brig Gen Jean Fajardo in a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday.
Fajardo said that based on the recommendation of the Internal Affairs Service (IAS), ordered dismissed were Lt. Col. Joseph Bagsao, Police Executive Master Sgt. Aaron Turano and Albert Gandipon, Cpl. George Mabuti, Pat. Roger Valdez Jr., Capt. Roy Pleños, Cpt. Dale Andrei Duterte, Lt. Aaron Tudlong, Police Staff Master Sgt. Edmark Mabini, Cpt. Jesttony Asanion, and Lt. Michael Misa.
She said the officers were found guilty of grave misconduct, dishonesty, grave irregularity in the performance of their duties and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Upon dismissal, the police officers’ benefits would be forfeited, their eligibility would be revoked and they would be perpetually disqualified from holding government posts.
Meanwhile, Fajardo said Cpt. Mark Victor Pineda was found guilty of simple neglect of duty and less grave neglect of duty and meted out a penalty of 31-day suspension; while Cpt. Julius Tacay, Police Staff Master Sgt. Leolito Calasang and Cpl. Rusty Araya were exonerated due to insufficient evidence.
“Let it be clear that the PNP does not and will not tolerate any form of misconduct or dishonesty within its ranks. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability, and those who fail to uphold these values will be held accountable,” Marbil said in a statement.
“This decision underscores the PNP’s commitment to ensure that only those who uphold the highest levels of integrity and professionalism remain in its ranks.”
IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay said the administrative cases stemmed from a brawl reported by a security guard of Ayala Alabang Village after residents complained of a disturbance caused by two police officers who were serving as security escorts of a Chinese national.
The two members of the elite SAF were apprehended by Ayala Alabang Police Sub-Station 5 officers.
Investigation showed that the SAF officers were not performing official duties at the time but were rendering protective services without the required approval from the Police Security and Protection Group, a violation of PNP policies.
The probe also showed a conspiracy among certain SAF officials in Zamboanga City to cover up the illegal activities of the policemen in Ayala Alabang, making it appear that the two SAF commandos were physically present at their assigned units, the 52nd Special Action Company Zamboanga and the 55th Special Action Company Zamboanga.
“This resolution serves as a stern reminder that no police officer is above the law. The public has the right to expect the highest level of integrity from those sworn to serve and protect the public. Any deviation from this duty will be met with the appropriate disciplinary sanctions,” Dulay said. (PNA)
