Manila cop in shabu-swallowing case says Ombudsman's verdict not yet final

MANILA, Philippines - One of the five Manila police officers ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman for alleged extortion and for forcing a chef to swallow shabu said yesterday the anti-graft agency’s decision is not yet final and still under appeal.

Senior Inspector Rolando del Rosario Mendoza, a recipient of several awards, including the 1986 Ten Outstanding Policemen of the Philippines (TOPP) of the Jaycees International, was accused by chef Christian Kalaw of allegedly arresting him, forcing him to swallow shabu then extorting a total of P23,000 from him on April 9, 2008.

According to reports, the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices ordered the dismissal from the service of Mendoza, Inspector Nelson Ubano Lagasca, SPO1 Nestor Reyes David, PO3 Wilson Matic Gavino and PO2 Roderick Salva Lopena, claiming that there exists substantial evidence to find the policemen guilty of grave misconduct.

Mendoza, however, said the Ombudsman’s decision is not yet final and executory.

Kalaw filed charges of robbery, robbery-extortion, grave threats and physical injuries against Mendoza and the four other police officers.

On Oct. 17, 2008, the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service recommended the dismissal of the case after the complainant failed to attend three consecutive hearings “despite due notice.”

On Aug. 26, 2008, the Manila Prosecutors Office Eighth Division also dismissed the case, claiming the complainant’s “absence during the entire preliminary proceedings manifest his disinterest to pursue the case.” – Pete Laude