Erring cops face probe

CEBU, Philippines - A member of the Regional Public Safety Battalion contingent sent to Zamboanga City who went absent without prior approval has already reported back to work.

But, Police Officer 1 Niño Nito Dahili will have to face a pre-charge evaluation for going on AWOL, and may face dismissal from the service if found guilty.  

Police Regional Office-7 director Danilo Constantino ordered the investigation against Dahili.

 â€œIniimbestigahan na siya ngayon, now that may jurisdiction na tayo sa kaniya,” Constantino said.

Dahili left for Cebu last October 25, a day before their deployment in Jolo, Sulu for the barangay elections.

The RPSB contingent was asked to stay after their combat duty in Zamboanga to assist in the conduct of the elections in Sulu.

However, despite an order from their commander, RPSB chief Clifford Gairanod, to stay for the barangay elections duty, Dahili left for Cebu ahead of the rest of the members of the team.

Dahili said he needed to see a love one who was leaving for abroad but  Gairanod said it is not a valid reason.

Since October 25, Dahili did not report to Gairanod and did not also attend the arrival ceremony held at the PRO-7 headquarters last Tuesday.

“Pwede sana siya mag-join noon dahil part naman siya ng contingent. But just the same, he will face the investigation,” said Constantino.

Gairanod said Dahili may face cases for abandonment of post, insubordination, serious neglect of duty, and even cowardice, which are considered grave offense and carry the penalty of dismissal from the service.

PO3 Ariel Dicdican of Fuente Police Station on the other hand may also face dismissal if proven guilty of serious neglect of duty for reporting late to his post during last Monday’s reopening of classes.

As per investigation conducted by the Investigation and Detective Management Branch  of  the Cebu  City  Police  Office, Dicdican claimed that the traffic congestion in Minglanilla causes him to be late. But, Constantino said it is not a valid excuse.

“Eh di sana, alam niya naman ang traffic situation sa lugar na iyon, lalo pa at opening ng klase, maaga sana siya umalis,” the PRO 7 chief said.

He inspected City Central School among other schools in Cebu City during the opening of classes last Monday and found out that Dicdican was not yet in his post by 6 am.

IDMB chief Aileen Recla said Dicdican’s allowance from the City Hall may be suspended because of his “simple neglect of duty.”

“I-prove nila na simple neglect of duty lang iyon. Anyway, kami naman sa PRO-7 ang final authority,” Constantino said.  (FREEMAN)