107 abusive, AWOL ARMM cops axed

COTABATO CITY, Philippines   – A hundred and seven police officers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have been terminated from the service from January to July this year due to various offenses, including drug abuse and absence without official leave (AWOL), the region’s police director said yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Noel delos Reyes said the dismissed officers were first subjected to litigation, in compliance with the due process principle of the Philippine National Police in dealing with its erring members.

The ARMM police office discharged 64 policemen in 2013, records supplied by Delos Reyes showed.

Five members of the ARMM police were demoted last year for various offenses, such as AWOL, insubordination and dishonesty.

Delos Reyes said they have suspended 63 abusive officers in recent months.

“All have served the suspension orders and have promised not to commit mistakes again,” he said.

Some of the 107 dismissed police officers were found positive for shabu in random drug tests.

Delos Reyes said they now have at Camp S.K. Pendatun a discipline law and order section, which will address reports of misbehavior by police officers.

The ARMM has jurisdiction over the provincial police offices in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, which are both in mainland Mindanao, and the scattered island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.