PNP-IAS Inspector General Brigido J. Dulay
The Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police (PNP-IAS) has recommended the dismissal from the service six police officials, including an officer with a rank of lieutenant colonel, and five other policemen in connection with the illegal deployment of lawmen as security escorts of executives of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
PNP-IAS Inspector General Brigido J. Dulay said the case stemmed from the fistfight of two members of the police’s elite Special Action Force (SAF) inside a posh subdivision in Ayala, Alabang in May this year.
The incident triggered a thorough investigation after the incident, which was first reported as an alarm and scandal by security guards, turned out to be involving police commandos.
It was during the investigation that probers found out that the two SAF commandos were serving as security personnel of a POGO executive.
“We conducted the investigation based on the initial report that involved police officers were allegedly moonlighting as security escorts for a Chinese national purportedly linked to a POGO,” said Dulay.
“It was later revealed through an investigation that said SAF officers were not performing their official duties with their respective units at the time of the incident. Instead, they were rendering protective services without the required approval from the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG), in clear violation of PNP policies,” he added.
Duly said the two SAF personnel arrested in Muntinlupa were dismissed for moonlighting, grave irregularities in the performance of their duties and for engaging in protective services to private persons without proper authorization.
More names surfaced
During the hearing, Dulay said the pieces of evidence they obtained revealed a conspiracy among some SAF officials in Zamboanga City to cover up the illegal activities of the policemen in Ayala Alabang.
He said the erring SAF officials made it appear that the two SAF commandos were physically present at their assigned units, apparently by tampering the documents of their personnel.
The two cops were assigned to the the 52nd Special Action Company Zamboanga and the 55th Special Action Company Zamboanga, respectively.
“The IAS found several SAF officials guilty of grave misconduct, grave dishonesty, and conduct unbecoming for attempting to cover up the unauthorized moonlighting activities of their personnel,” said Dulay.
Uphold professionalism
Dulay said their recommendation also emphasized the importance of upholding professionalism and integrity within the PNP.
“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,” said Dulay.
“The recommendation of the dismissal of the 11 SAF personnel is a significant step in the IAS's continued commitment to accountability within the police force, especially in the face of recent high-profile cases involving PNP personnel that threaten to undermine public trust in law enforcement,” he added.
The IAS recommendation will still have to be reviewed by the Office of the Chief PNP which has the authority to affirm, reject or amend the punishment recommended by the IAS.