PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. approved yesterday the dismissal from the service of seven Cavite policemen accused of looting the house of a retired teacher in Imus, Cavite last August.
In a press briefing, PNP spokeswoman and Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said the dismissal of the policemen was signed by Acorda yesterday morning.
Fajardo said the policemen have 10 days, upon receipt of the decision, to appeal their dismissal.
“Otherwise, the decision for the dismissal of the policemen will be final and executory,” added Fajardo.
The PNP Internal Affairs Service initially recommended to Acorda the dismissal of eight policemen who were found liable for grave misconduct, grave irregularity in the performance of duty, grave dishonesty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The eight were Senior Master Sergeant Daisy Diones; Staff Sergeants Jesus Alday, Julius Barbon and Emil Buna; Corporals Jenerald Cadiang and Lew Amando Antonio; and Patrolmen Reymel Czar Reyes and Rene Mendoza
Fajardo said Diones was exonerated of the charges, upon review of the recommendation, due to the lack of evidence.
The policemen were accused of barging into the residence of retired teacher Rebecca Caoile, reportedly an illegal drug suspect, in August. The policemen reportedly took cash, a laptop, and other items.
They were relieved and taken into police custody after the incident, pending criminal and administrative investigation. Charges of robbery were later filed against them.
Once dismissed from the service, Fajardo said the policemen “will be outside of the jurisdiction of the PNP so they will be released from the custody of the PNP.”
Fajardo said the Diones and several other policemen, including erstwhile Imus police chief Lt. Col. Michael Batoctoy, are still facing administrative charges for grave neglect of duty by virtue of command responsibility.
