PNP investigates scalawags’ commanders

MANILA, Philippines — The police officers who were recently caught in nefarious activities will be kicked out of the Philippine National Police, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil vowed yesterday, adding he has ordered an investigation on the immediate commanders of those involved.

Marbil said misfits have no place in the PNP as he stressed that police scalawags have no place in government.

“We make sure that the police officers involved would no longer be able to return to service and would be jailed,” Marbil said in an interview with reporters.

Marbil yesterday awarded medals to 61 officials and personnel of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) for their accomplishments during a ceremony at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Anong the police officials accused of corrupt practices is Lt. Col. Gideon Ines, who was apprehended in Parañaque along with two civilians for their alleged involvement in a “rent-tangay” scheme.

He is being held on charges of violating Republic Act 10883 or the anti-car theft law.

Four police officers, including a major, were arrested in Pasay for allegedly kidnapping two Chinese nationals.

In Quezon City, two policemen assigned in Caloocan were arrested after they reportedly robbed a motorcycle rider of his wallet, which contained P16,000 in cash.

A police major in Bulacan is also under investigation after a subordinate accused him of sexual harassment.

Marbil also ordered an investigation on the immediate superiors of the police officers to determine if they committed lapses.

He is not inclined to impose a one-strike policy on officials whose personnel are accused of illegal activities, stressing he prefers improving their unit performance indicators.

500 Metro Manila cops axed

At least 500 police officers in Metro Manila have been dismissed from service since Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. took over as NCRPO chief in July last year.

He said that around 800 police officers had been suspended, demoted or had their pay forfeited due to various offenses.

“That’s a lot and a record high,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez noted that the NCRPO is continuing to sift through around 4,000 documents of administrative proceedings that have not yet been finalized.

“There is no certificate of finality and, therefore, they have not been enforced. So we will continuously work from there,” he said. – Nillicent Bautista