By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – “No second chances.”
This was the clear message from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil as he ordered the relief of Eastern Police District (EPD) Director Brig. Gen. Villamor Tuliao and the entire District Special Operations Unit following an unauthorized April 2 operation in Las Piñas City where officers allegedly stole PHP85 million from a Chinese businessman.
Eight DSOU members are detained and facing criminal and administrative charges, including robbery, illegal detention, and unlawful arrest, according to a news release Saturday.
Those involved must be summarily dismissed from the service and permanently disqualified from holding any position in government, Marbil said.
He condemned the “grave leadership failure” and warned that any police commander who fails to maintain discipline will be held accountable under the doctrine of command responsibility.
“This is no longer just about rogue officers — it is a failure of leadership. When discipline collapses, it begins at the top. Leaders will be held to the highest standards of accountability,” Marbil stated.
“If the director is found liable under the principle of command responsibility, he will never be trusted with any position of leadership again,” he added.
A full investigation by the Internal Affairs Service is underway.
National Capital Regional Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said the involved EPD cops committed numerous violations, including lack of coordination with the police station in the area, non-compliance with the use of body-worn cameras, and failure to get clearance from their immediate supervisors.
The victim and the relatives claimed the EPD cops shut down their closed-circuit television, forcibly opened their vaults, and took away money in Philippine peso, US dollars and Malaysian ringgits; jewelry; gadgets; and other personal belongings. (PNA)
