10 Metro cops dismissed

MANILA, Philippines - At least 10 Metro Manila policemen were dismissed from the service for their failure to attend court hearings that resulted in the dismissal or acquittal of the accused in illegal drug cases.

Deputy Director General Arturo Cacdac, deputy chief for operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the dismissed policemen were among the 82 cops undergoing investigation for their failure to attend court hearings on drug cases.

“Despite our continuing directive however, there are still some police officers who continuously defy our stern warning, to the prejudice of efforts in combating illegal drugs,” said Cacdac, the concurrent commander of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force (AIDSOTF).

Ordered dismissed were SPO2 Renato Ruiz, PO3 Eduardo David, PO3 Leonardo Ramos, PO2 Nowelito de Lara, PO2 Donato Obiena, PO1 Cesar Cabungcal, PO1 Emeterio Mendoza, PO1 Mirasol Lappay, PO1 Jay Angeles and PO1 Rommel Ragos.

Cacdac stressed the importance of the testimony of police witnesses in the prosecution of illegal drug cases.

He warned police operatives of severe penalties for their failure to attend court hearings without valid reasons.

Cacdac also asked the courts to furnish AIDSOTF the records of dismissed drug cases.