6 CL police officials sacked for underreporting crime

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP)’s one strike-policy on altering police blotters hit six more police chiefs in Central Luzon for allegedly trying to conceal the actual peace and order situation in their jurisdiction.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said two of the officers have been relieved while four others are facing pre-charge investigation for alleged inaccurate declaration of crime data.

Purisima said the police chiefs underreported crime incidents by as much as 75 percent. He issued a one-strike policy and ordered all police unit commanders to strictly observe complete and accurate reporting of all crimes.

Relieved were Superintendent Ponciano Zafra of Gerona, Tarlac, and Chief Inspector Orlando Reyes of Olongapo City Station 2.

Purisima said four chiefs of police in Pampanga, Angeles City and Bataan are undergoing pre-charge investigation for similar offense allegedly committed earlier this year.

Undergoing pre-charge investigation are Superintendent Neil Miro of Mexico municipal police, Chief Inspector Melencio Santos of Angeles City Station 4, Chief Inspector Ronaldo Lorenzo of Angeles City Station 5 and Senior Inspector Michael Chavez of Olongapo City Station 3.

The relief of the officers was based on the recommendation of Director Francisco Don Montenegro, PNP Director for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), following a nationwide audit of police blotters.

Last week, Purisima sacked 13 police officials in Western Visayas for underreporting crimes.