Cops sacked for sexual harassment, inaction on rider

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman who allegedly sexually harassed an eight-year-old girl was sacked from his post at the Taguig City police station, while a patrolman suffered the same fate for supposedly failing to protect a motorist during the Iglesia ni Cristo rally along EDSA.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Cpl. Michael Jo Nograles was relieved from his post at the Taguig police substation 4 as the investigation continues.

Nartatez wants Nograles sanctioned if proven that he sexually harassed a girl by asking for a kiss and for allegedly saying she was prettier than his wife.

The child’s mother reported the incident to the National Police Commission.

“This is unacceptable. We condemn any form of misconduct, especially those involving children,” Nartatez said in a statement, as he assured the public that Nograles’ actions do not reflect the image of the entire police force.

Meanwhile, a police officer whom Sen. Raffy Tulfo wants reprimanded for allegedly failing to protect a motorcycle rider who was threatened by rallyists along EDSA on Tuesday was relieved from his assignment at the Quezon City Police District’s mobile force battalion.

Tulfo said he wants the police officer identified and reprimanded for failing to protect the motorist.

PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co clarified that the officer’s relief does not mean he has been found at fault.

Co defended the unnamed patrolman, saying the officer had attempted to deescalate the tension.