'Nabuking ang raket': Fist fight between 2 SAF commandos exposes racket of providing security to POGO official

A fist fight between two members of the police’s elite Special Action Force (SAF) has exposed their racket of providing security to an alleged official of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO). 

Police Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said it all started when a security guard of a subdivision in Ayala, Alabang sought police assistance over complaints of residents about a disturbance caused by two men on Saturday afternoon, May 18.

When personnel of the Ayala-Alabang Police Sub-Station 5 went to the area, they chanced upon two men engaged in a fistfight, resulting in their arrest.

At the course of the investigation, Nartatez said it was found out that the two are SAF commandos identified as Police Corporal George Rojo Mabuti and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez.

“These personnel were found providing VIP security to a Chinese national,” said Nartatez.

The investigation also disclosed that both Mabuti and Valdez are actually assigned in Mindanao and were involved in moonlighting activity by providing unauthorized VIP security to an alleged POGO personality.

Based on their testimony, Nartatez said the two cops are not rendering their official duties with their respective units— the 52nd Special Action Company Zamboanga for Mabuti and the 55^th Special Action Company Zamboanga for Valdez. 

“They are now under the custody of the Muntinlupa City Police Station. A case for Alarms and Scandals was filed against the arrested suspects for inquest proceedings before the Prosecutor’s Office of Muntinlupa City. 

“In addition, subject personnel will be facing administrative charges for neglect of duty and misconduct for moonlighting and unauthorized provision of VIP security including their Head of Office/Commander,” he added.

Sacked

In a statement, SAF director Police Brig. Gen. Mark Pespes said he already ordered the relief not only of the two police commandos involved in the incident but also the Battalion Commander, Company Commanders, Platoon Leaders, and other personnel with direct supervision over them

“They are relieved from their duties pending the outcome of a thorough investigation. This action underscores the SAF’s commitment to accountability and maintaining the highest standards of conduct,” said Pespes.

Pespes said his action is part of their zero tolerance policy towards any illegal activities, including any form of misconduct.

In the case of the two SAF commandos involved, for moonlighting as security men of a POGO personality.

“The Special Action Force assures the public that this incident is being taken seriously and that appropriate disciplinary measures will be enforced against any personnel found guilty of violating regulations. The SAF remains dedicated to serving and protecting the community with honor and integrity,” said Pespes.

Hot seat 

The involvement of the two police elite commandos in securing a POGO official came amid calls to shut down all POGO operations in the country over suspicions that such gaming is being used as one of the fronts for espionage.

The mayor of Bamban, Tarlac is currently in the hot seat over her alleged involvement in POGO operation in her town—the incident stemmed from the raid on a POGO establishment near the municipal hall.

Nartatez, for his part,  assured that the personnel involved will be dealt with accordingly. 

“We commit to disclose full transparency in this matter. We ensure that there will be no cover-up of any details and there will be no attempts of concealing the facts against these erring personnel,” said Nartatez.