Eastern Police District (EPD) Director Col. Wilson C. Asueta assured the public that he will not "condone nor disregard personnel involved in illegal activities" under his leadership, after an EPD patrolman was arrested for cable wire theft in Quezon City on Tuesday, Aug. 30.
“We do not tolerate any misconduct and breach of discipline in the Philippine National Police (PNP) organization. Hence, we will not hesitate to discharge personnel of EPD if they are found liable of any unlawful acts," said Asueta in a statement released on Thursday, Sept. 1.
During the police's "one time, big time" operation, the Anonas Police Station (PS-9) in Quezon City caught EPD Pat. Francis Baquiran, 27, along with his three cohorts, stealing a PLDT copper cable.
The police arrested the suspects after a PLDT representative they coordinated with to verify the suspects' identities told them they were not PLDT employees.
Following the incident, Asueta asked the chiefs of police of the Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, and San Juan police stations to "institute more reforms in line with the PNP Internal Cleansing Program," and remind their officers and staff of their responsibilities and proper behavior as members of the force.
“Further, we will assure the public that we will intensify aggressively our campaign against illegal activities within our ranks. Let us not also forget there are still thousands of police officers who are performing their duties well to serve and protect the public,” Asueta added.
Baquiran and three others were arrested at around 1:50 a.m. along C.P. Garcia beside Baluyot Court in Barangay Krus na Ligas, Quezon City.
The Anonas police identified his cohorts as Ivan Fritz Valtiedaz, 26, a Criminology graduate; Richard Repal, 32; and Needrick Suing, 25.
The police confiscated a 115 length of PLDT copper cable worth P471,940 from the suspects, along with two .9mm caliber guns – one loaded with seven live ammunition, the other with nine, and a van.
The suspects are facing theft charges. Baquiran and Valtiedaz will also face charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The suspects are in the custody of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).