The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that it has dismissed from service 11 members of the Special Action Force (SAF), an elite police unit, due to their alleged involvement to unauthorized escort services provided to a Chinese national linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations.
PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil approved the dismissal of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Bagsao; Captains Roy A. Pleños, Dale Andrei D. Duterte, and Jesttony F. Asanion; Lieutenants Aaron F. Tudlong and Michael C. Misa; Police Executive Master Sergeant (PEMS) Aaron A. Turano; Police Senior Master Sergeants (PSMS) Edmark A. Mabini and Albert S. Gandipon; Corporal George R. Mabuti; and Patrolman Roger R. Valdez Jr.
“These personnel were found guilty of grave misconduct, dishonesty, grave irregularity in the performance of their duties, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said.
Additionally, Captain Mark Victor M. Pineda was found guilty of simple neglect of duty and less grave neglect of duty, so he was meted the penalty of 31 days suspension.
Captain Julius G. Tacay, Chief Master Sergeant Leolito A. Calasang, and Corporal Rusty D. Araya were exonerated due to “insufficient evidence” linking them to the alleged violations.
The PNP said the case stemmed from a fistfight incident last May 18 in a posh village in Ayala-Alabang, Muntinlupa City which involved two SAF members assigned to the 52nd Special Action Company and 55th Special Action Company, both in Zamboanga.
The PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) investigated the incident and found out that the two SAF troopers were allegedly moonlighting as security escorts “without proper authorization” for a Chinese national in Muntinlupa City who was linked to POGO operations.
The PNP said that a deeper probe showed some ranking police officials in Zamboanga were supposedly conspiring to cover up the illegal activities of their subordinates, making it appear that they were physically present at their assigned units apparently by tampering the documents of their personnel.
According to the PNP, Lt. Col. Bagsao, a former battalion commander, and PEMS Turano, a former battalion executive senior police officer, had deployed Cpl. Mabuti and Pat. Valdez as security escorts for the Chinese national and his two children in Muntinlupa City in violation of PNP regulations.
Meanwhile, the PNP accused Cpt. Pleños and PSMS Gandipon of concealing the troops’ absence by “manipulating daily reports to falsely indicate that they were present on duty.” In addition, the PNP alleged that Pat. Valdez “transferred funds, reportedly earned through his moonlighting activities, to another officer’s account.”
The Manila Bulletin has reached out to the PNP Public Information Office to get the side of the dismissed officials but it has yet to respond as of posting time.
Nonetheless, Marbil said that the dismissal of the SAF troopers should serve as a warning to other cops not to engage in illegal activities.
“Let it be clear that the Philippine National Police does not and will not tolerate any form of misconduct or dishonesty within its ranks. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability, and those who fail to uphold these values will be held accountable,” he said.
“This is a message to all PNP personnel: we are here to serve the people with integrity, and we will continue to cleanse the ranks of those who undermine the trust placed in us,” the PNP chief added.