Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has expressed support to the Department of Interior and Local Government's (DILG) disposal of the appeal filed by Lt. Col. Julio Abong to junk the Quezon City People's Law Enforcement Board's decision to dismiss him from service following a hit-and-run incident in August 2022.
"I strongly support the decision of the Department of the Interior and Local Government denying the appeal filed by P/Lt. Col. Mark Julio U. Abong, in relation to his involvement in the hit-and-run and drunk driving incident on August 22, 2022 along Anonas Street, Quezon City that killed tricycle driver Joel Larosa and injured a passenger," the mayor said in a statement.
In March 2023, the QC PLEB (PLEB) ordered the dismissal of Abong from service after it found him guilty of multiple charges of grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer after the hit-and-run incident.
The incident happened at around 5 a.m. where Abong's black Ford Ranger vehicle bumped the tricycle of Larosa, 53, along Anonas Street in the city. The collision resulted in the death of tricycle driver and injuries to his female passenger.
Abong, the former Quezon City Police District - Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) filed an appeal against the PLEB's decision. He was then assigned to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Legal Service.
On Thursday, Nov. 30, the DILG denied Abong's appeal.
DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. said their decision affirmed the findings of the QC PLEB which found Abong to be liable on the death of the tricycle driver.
He added that they also affirm the decision of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Aug. 24, that found Abong guilty of the three administrative charges which were classified as grave offenses warranting a penalty of dismissal from his service in the PNP.
"DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. also directed PNP Chief, Police General Benjamin C. Acorda, Jr. to immediately issue an implementing order of the dismissal of Abong as recommended by the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) Fourth Division in its Decision dated March 21, 2023," Belmonte said.
"We are grateful to the DILG and to Secretary Abalos for upholding the decision made by the PLEB. It reflects the firm resolve of the national government to respect the check and balance mechanism against erring policemen, as created by the DILG Act of 1990 and amended by the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act. This decision also proves that the QC PLEB rendered a just and fair decision," the mayor added.
"Gayundin, malugod nating tinatanggap ang resolusyon ng QC Prosecutor's office na nagsasabing may sapat na ebidensya para litisin si Abong sa mga kasong kriminal na isinampa sa kanya kaugnay sa panunugod sa isang bar at pagpapaputok ng baril noong November 26 (We also welcome the resolution of the QC Prosecutor's office that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute Abong on the criminal charges filed against him in connection with the November 26 bar invasion and shooting)," she said.
Early morning on Sunday, Nov. 26, Abong was arrested by the QCPD after he allegedly fired gunshots outside a bar in Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City. He was also reported to have assaulted the bar's waiter during the incident.
The QCPD filed charges against the police officer for illegal discharge of firearm, violation Republic Act 10591(Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act) and the Omnibus Election Code, physical injury, slander by deed, and disobedience of person in authority.
The charges were filed before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office.
"No one is above the law. Hindi natin kukunsintihin kailanman ang anumang pang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan, lalo na ng.mga naatasang magpatupad ng batas(We will never tolerate any abuse of power, especially by those tasked with law enforcement)," Belmonte said.
"Tungkulin natin sa bayan na tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng lahat, at hindi ang maging instrumento ng kaguluhan at karahasan (It is our duty to the people to ensure the safety of all, and not to be an instrument of chaos and violence)," she added.