9 Northern Mindanao cops axed

MANILA, Philippines — Nine policemen were relieved from their posts in connection with the death of their colleague whose body was found floating in a river in Wao, Lanao del Sur.

The policemen, who are with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion’s 1004th Maneuver Company, were disarmed and placed under restrictive custody, Northern Mindanao police spokesperson Maj. Joann Navarro said in a phone interview.

Navarro said one of the policemen is a lieutenant while the rest are non-commissioned officers. They were said to be the last people seen with Cpl. Jeffrey Dabuco on the day he disappeared.

Initial investigation showed Dabuco attended a party at a patrol base in Barangay Pamotolon in Kalilangan on June 23 at around 1:30 a.m.

Navarro said probers have information on the possible reasons behind Dabuco’s death, but did not give details.