PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has approved the dismissal of 11 policemen, including six commissioned officers, for involvement in unauthorized escort services to a Chinese national.
Dismissed were Lt. Col. Joseph Bagsao; Capts. Roy Pleños, Dale Andrei Duterte, and Jesttony Asanion; Lts. Aaron Tudlong and Michael Misa; Executive Master Sergeant Aaron Turano, Senior Master Sergeants Edmark Mabini and Albert Gandipon, Cpl. George Mabuti, and Pat. Roger Valdez.
The 11 policemen were dismissed on the recommendation of the PNP Internal Affairs Service, which found them guilty of grave misconduct, dishonesty, grave irregularity in the performance of duties and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Marbil also suspended Capt. Mark Victor Pineda for 31 days for simple neglect of duty and less grave neglect of duty.
Three other policemen – Capt. Julius Tacay, Chief Master Sergeant Leolito Calasang and Cpl. Rusty Araya – were exonerated of administrative charges for insufficiency of evidence.
The irregularity was discovered after Mabuti and Valdez, both members of the PNP Special Action Force, figured in a brawl at a village in Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa City last May 18. The incident was reported by a security guard. The two were subsequently arrested by responding policemen.
An investigation showed the two policemen, who were assigned in Mindanao, were providing VIP security to the Chinese national who was said to be involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations.
The nine other dismissed policemen were said to have been in the conspiracy to cover up the illegal activities of Mabuti and Valdez.
They reportedly made it appear that the two policemen were present in their units (52nd Special Action Company and 55th Special Action Company, both in Mindanao) when they were actually not.
“Let it be clear that the Philippine National Police does not and will not tolerate any form of misconduct or dishonesty within its ranks,” Marbil said in a statement yesterday.
Marbil said the PNP is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability and “those who fail to uphold these values will be held accountable.”
“This is a message to all PNP personnel: We are here to serve the people with integrity, and we will continue to cleanse the ranks of those who undermine the trust placed in us,” he said.
The PNP Public Information Office said the decision “underscores the PNP’s commitment to ensuring that only those who uphold the highest levels of integrity and professionalism remain in its ranks.”
