By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday launched an investigation into possible lapses in command responsibility after two police officers were arrested for allegedly transporting mineral ores outside their jurisdiction in Misamis Oriental.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said command accountability is under review following the arrest, which he said raised questions on how the activity went undetected.
“The fact that they were caught outside their jurisdiction proves they were moonlighting as escorts,” he said in a statement. “We have a zero-tolerance policy for rogue policemen.”
Nartatez added that aside from the criminal charges for violating the Mining Act, the two police officers, who are both on active duty, are facing administrative cases for grave misconduct.
The two police officers and four civilians were arrested on Monday after authorities intercepted a utility van at a checkpoint in Barangay Limonda in Opol, Misamis Oriental.
Police found 58 sacks of suspected unprocessed mineral ores worth about PHP290,000, along with firearms and ammunition owned by the officers.
The group reportedly failed to present permits for the transport.
Nartatez ordered the immediate relief of the police officers — a senior master sergeant and a staff sergeant assigned to Monkayo Municipal Police Station in Davao Region — and flagged the possible use of police protection in the operation.
“Command responsibility is being reviewed,” he said. “If there were lapses on the part of supervisors, they will also be held accountable.”
The Internal Affairs Service has been directed to conduct the investigation and determine if a wider network of officers is involved. (PNA)
