Ten Metro Manila policemen were dismissed from the service after they were found guilty of administrative charges filed against them in connection with the questionable operation against four floreigners in Parañaque City in September last year.
They were identified as Police Lt. Col. Jolet T. Guevara; Police Majors Jason D. Quijana and John Patrick Magsalos; Police Capt. Sherwin C. Limbauan; Police Staff Sergeants Roy G. Pioquinto, Mark J. Democrito, Danilo L. Desder, Roy Pioquinto, Christina Corpuz; and Corporal Rexes Claveria.
In an order dated Feb. 13 that was obtained by the Manila Bulletin, it stated that the 10 policemen were dismissed effective Feb. 12 for grave misconduct, grave irregularity in the performance of duty, grave neglect of duty, the conduct of unbecoming police officer, less grave misconduct, less grave neglect of duty.
Police Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said the dismissal should serve as a stern warning that he will not tolerate any form of abuse and willful violations of law .
“Our message is clear, NCRPO and the PNP as a whole shall not condone any and all forms of abuse and criminal behavior of our men. We are exerting all efforts to weed out all erring personnel from our ranks through our invigorated internal cleansing program,” said Nartatez.
“The public can assure that we remain steadfast in our dedication to rebuilding trust and confidence through transparency, accountability, and unwavering commitment to public service. I encourage you to report any instances of misconduct, abuse or irregularity by our police officers and we assure you that appropriate actions will be taken,” he added.
What happened?
The 10 dismissed policemen were among those investigated by the House of Representatives in connection with the questionable operation on a condominium in Paranaque City by members of the Southern Police District.
The cops implemented a search warrant on Sept. 16 last year but ended up committing serious offenses that include robbery and planting of evidence.
In the investigation, Nartatez said it was found out that the policemen indeed committed numerous violations, two of them includes taking P27 million and an expensive Rolex watch from the foreign POGO workers and planting two firearms and two magazines to make it appear that the operation was successful.
He said there was also an abuse in the service of the search warrant as “the operating team went beyond the limits by seizing properties/items not described and entered rooms that were not specified in the warrant.
Nartatez said the cops also falsified public documents by not including the P27 million in the inventory and even unplugged and destroyed the CCTV in the condo unit. He added that the cops also deactivated their body-worn cameras during the operation.
More cops punished
Nartatez said he also approved the recommendation to demote seven policemen and suspend 17 more cops in connection with the incident.
The two senior police officials who were cited in contempt during the House inquiry, according to Nartatez, will also be subjected to disciplinary proceedings.
They are former SPD chief Police Brig. Gen. Roderick Mariano and former SPD comptroller Police Col. Charlie Cabradilla.
“They will be subjected to administrative disciplinary proceedings upon issuance of Presidential Clearance,” said Nartatez.