NPD dismisses 15 misfits

Northern Police District (NPD) director Chief Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr., in an effort aimed at purging his command of misfit cops, dismissed from the service at least 15 of his men found to be undesirable police officials.

"This shall serve as a strong signal to all police officers that we do not tolerate misfits or allow abuses that will undermine the reputation and integrity of our organization," Franco said.

Records gathered by The STAR from the NPD-District Legal Service Office under Superintendent Edgar Paulino showed that from Jan. 1 to Dec. 23 last year, the DLS received a total of 86 administrative complaints filed against 160 police officers. Of the 86 cases filed, 44 had been resolved while 42 are still being investigated.

The dismissed policemen were identified as PO1 Ronaldo Toledo, PO2 Ramiro Apilo, PO1 Ebenezer Villaruel Jr., PO2 Redentor Mantala, PO1 Reynaldo Gabatin, PO3 Edgardo Reyes Jr., PO2 Ariel Mercado, PO2 Robert Licuanan, SPO1 Henry Cruz, PO1 Alex Macaalay, PO1 Harry Nuque, PO1 Eric Ducusin, SPO2 Dionito Fernando, SPO1 Jessie Caranto and PO1 Vladimir Binayug.

PO2 Samuel Galang, charged with serious neglect of duty for being absent without official leave, was also recommended to be dropped out of the police service.

"Any policeman found guilty of a grievous offense is not fit to stay in the service a minute longer," Franco stressed.

Of the resolved cases, apart from those booted out of the service, 30 were exonerated, 14 were suspended while others were meted only with light punishment.

According to Chief Inspector Sotero Ramos Jr., chief of the NPD-District Police Intelligence Unit and one of the DLS’s hearing officers, said the dismissed cops could still appeal their respective cases with the National Police Commission-Regional Appellate Court.

"The dismissed cops were accorded due process, but were found to be unworthy to become police officers. Yet, they can still appeal their case with Napolcom if they so desire," Ramos said.

At least 36 of the 42 pending cases at the DLS office are now the subject of summary dismissal proceedings.

Franco assured the public, particularly the Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) residents, that any infraction committed by his men would be investigated and corresponding punishment would be meted to those found guilty of the charges.

Paulino, for his part, said that his office is always ready to receive complaints filed against erring cops, conduct an investigation and recommend proper punishment to those found at fault.