TEN Quezon City policemen were relieved and placed under restrictive custody for involvement in a recent irregular anti-gambling operation in the city.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced yesterday the relief of the policemen from the QCPD-Station 14 in Barangay Holy Spirit. The cops were not identified.
Citing the results of an initial investigation, the QCPD said the station reported the arrest of five individuals for illegal gambling. The probe was conducted following a viral social media post about the irregular operation.
“However, validation on April 22 revealed that a handbag with suspected dried marijuana leaves was recovered (during the operation) but not documented, inventoried, or turned over to the crime lab,” the QCPD said in a statement.
“No charges under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) were filed, constituting neglect of duty and grave misconduct,” the QCPD also said.
It said the policemen were promptly relieved and placed under the custody of the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit pending the filing of criminal and administrative charges against them.
“The QCPD strongly condemns any act that erodes public trust. We assure the public that this matter is being handled with urgency and transparency,” the QCPD said in a statement.
It said the relief of the 10 policemen was made in accordance with the directive of National Capital Region Police Office Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin “to cleanse the ranks of the NCRPO of scalawags and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in law enforcement.”
