Admin probe vs. two cops in rob-murder case starts

The PNP Internal Affairs Service, based at the Cebu City Police headquarters, has started its administrative investigation against two policemen who were implicated in the robbery of a lending firm and the killing of its owner and secretary, a month ago.

IAS case investigator SPO2 Antonio Dicdican told The Freeman that it is "moto propio" for his office to conduct an administrative investigation after a criminal case is filed against policemen.

"Mao gyud na siya, basta ma-file na gani ang kasong kriminal, automatic gyud na siya nga mo-investigate mi og administratiba," Dicdican said, adding that his office is now collating documents and reports on the case from the City Police homicide section.

The IAS is an independent police unit tasked to investigate policemen involved in illegal and criminal activities based on complaints from either private people or their fellow policemen.

Former Fuente policemen, SPO1s Mateo Yanson and Elmo Rosales, were indicted for the robbery of PRH Lending Investment Inc., and the killing of its owner Pilar Hernandez, and her secretary Wevina Pancho inside the firm's office at T. Padilla Extension in barangay Tejero last September 9.

According to Pilar's widower, who was a retired police official, the firm lost between P700,000 and P1 million in cash to the robbers.

Homicide investigators had tagged Yanson as the prime suspect to the crime, and included Rosales as one of the three men who got hold of the 9-mm pistol used in the killing.

Dicdican said the IAS would examine if the two policemen committed gross misconduct after they were implicated to the crime. A gross misconduct charge could result in dismissal from service, but the two would undergo due process, he said.

City Police acting director, Supt. Melvin Gayotin, earlier ordered Yanson relieved from Fuente police station and transferred to the Service Security Group, effective last October 3, while Rosales was moved from Fuente to the Mobile Patrol Group.

As of yesterday's press time however, The Freeman learned that Yanson has not reported yet to his new assignment, supposedly last October 2, the last day of his leave of absence period that begun last September 14.

Senior Inspector Maria Lourdes Ingente, chief of the City Police administrative branch, said Yanson might be declared AWOL (absent without official leave) if he failed to report after his leave of absence expired.

She said the office will take note of Yanson's absences and conduct visitation to the policeman's home to inquire on the causes of his absences.

Under police rules, a policeman who fails to report after 30 consecutive days of absence will be recommended for dropping from the roster, Ingente said. The city police director could enforce this and just send a report to the regional office. - Edwin Ian Melecio