PNP-IAS: 11 cops in Alabang brawl recommended dismissed from service

The Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) on Tuesday said it has recommended the dismissal from service of the 11 cops who were involved in a brawl in Ayala Alabang subdivision in May.

In a statement, the PNP-IAS said the police officers were found guilty of grave misconduct, grave dishonesty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

The administrative case stemmed from a brawling incident in the subdivision involving two of the police officers from the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) who were allegedly “moonlighting” as security escorts for a Chinese national linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

“The IAS found several SAF officials guilty of grave misconduct, grave dishonesty, and conduct unbecoming for attempting to cover up the unauthorized moonlighting activities of their personnel,” the PNP-IAS said.

“The two SAF personnel arrested in Muntinlupa, in particular, were dismissed for moonlighting, grave irregularities in the performance of their duties and for engaging in protective services to private persons without proper authorization,” it added.

Among the dismissed cops were six police commissioned officers including a police lieutenant colonel and five police non-commissioned officers, the PNP-IAS said.

According to PNP-IAS, evidence showed a conspiracy among SAF officials in Zamboanga City to cover up the illegal activities of the policemen in Ayala Alabang.

These SAF officials allegedly made it appear that the two SAF commandos, who were in Muntinlupa area, were physically present at their assigned units in the 52nd Special Action Company Zamboanga and the 55th Special Action Company Zamboanga.

“This resolution serves as a stern reminder that no police officer is above the law. The public has the right to expect the highest level of integrity from those sworn to serve and protect the public,” IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay said.

“Any deviation from this duty will be met with the appropriate disciplinary sanctions,” he added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News