PNP-IAS probing cop in QC restobar incident for possible admin cases — DILG

The Philippine National Police - Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) is conducting an investigation into an incident involving a police officer who allegedly assaulted a waiter and fired a gun outside a restobar in Quezon City.

According to a report of GMA Integrated News’ Bam Alegre on Unang Balita on Monday, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said they are not tolerating the actions of abusive police personnel.

“Sa administrative case naman —ito'y kung made-determine tungkol dito sa kanyang pananagutan sa serbisyo, about dismissal of service, suspension, reprimand or acquittal—ito ngayon ay iniimbestigahan na ng Internal Affairs [Service],” Abalos said.

(With regard to the administrative case—it will be determined if he is liable, about dismissal of service, suspension, reprimand, or acquittal —this is now being investigated by the Internal Affairs Service.)

The suspect was identified as Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Julio Abong, who is assigned to the PNP headquarters’ legal service department.

Abong was arrested on Sunday after allegedly assaulting a waiter and firing a gun twice outside a bar along Scout Rallos Street in Barangay Laging Handa.

The police official was reportedly drunk and had an argument with a fellow customer.

Tension also occurred at the QCPD-CIDU office in Camp Karingal after Abong tried to leave even though a clearance from the PNP was not given yet.

Abong will face multiple complaints such as alarm and scandal, violation of the Omnibus Election Code (gun ban), physical injuries, and slander. 

In August 2022, Abong was relieved from his post as the chief of the city's Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit over a hit-and-run incident, killing a tricycle driver and injuring a passenger. He denied responsibility for the incident.

In March 2023, he was dismissed by the city’s People's Law Enforcement Board after he was found guilty of multiple charges of grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer with the aggravating circumstance of employment of fraudulent means to conceal an offense. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News