12 QC cops charged for taking home confiscated firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines - Twelve Quezon City policemen were charged with grave misconduct yesterday for allegedly taking home illegal fireworks that were confiscated last Saturday.

Chief Superintendent Mario de la Vega identified the policemen as Chief Inspector Michael Sanchez of the District Public Safety Batallion, PO3 Jay Bonifacio Raz, PO3 Boy Clarito Blancad, PO1 James Bareo, PO1 Eric Bote, SPO1 Ricardo de la  Llena Jr. of the District Tactical Operation Center, PO1 Richard Paz, PO1 Gerald Coronel, PO3 Robert Rodillas, PO1 Raymar Consejo, PO1 Jaypee Tabo and PO2 Winston Quintos.

A video posted online showed the police officers taking the seized firecrackers while QCPD officials were preparing to destroy them.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Leonardo Espina said investigators are still trying to identify someone with the rank of Police Officer 3 and at least four rookie policemen whose faces were hidden in the video.

Espina warned that the  policemen could be dismissed from the service.

Meanwhile, QCPD deputy director for administration Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, who led the inspection of firearms, said not one QCPD personnel fired their guns during the New Year celebration. The tapes on the muzzles of the guns of Quezon City policemen were checked at Camp Karingal yesterday.

He said commanders were asked to submit a report on the removal of the tapes held at the police stations.