PNP says ‘no’ to escort services

Police officials are out to put an end to a different kind of escort service, one involving their own men.

Newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay warned all police personnel yesterday against offering escort services for influential or wealthy people following last Wednesday’s arrest of two police officers who accompanied a wanted Filipino-American involved in a car accident that killed presidential adviser Nestor Ponce Jr.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao said police officers are not allowed to provide "escort services," particularly to individuals who have criminal backgrounds, because it is prohibited by law.

"All escort services should be authorized by higher headquarters. If these are made in private and personal capacities, these are prohibited," Goltiao explained.

PNP officials issued the warning after the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration placed under custody Superintendent Antonio Gumiran and Senior Inspector Jeff Briones Uy for trying to prevent lawmen from arresting Jason Aguilar Ivler in Zamboanga City last Wednesday.

Ivler is facing reckless imprudence through homicide charges for Ponce’s death and injuries for his wife last Aug. 8 on the C-5 flyover in Ortigas, Pasig City. Gumiran and Uy are assigned with the PNP Directorate for Operations and the Special Action Force, respectively.

Gumiran and Uy are now facing administrative charges for conduct unbecoming of police officials, which carry a penalty of dismissal from the police service. – Christina Mendez