11 SAF members dismissed for escort service 'racket' —PNP chief

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Marbil approved the dismissal from service of 11 Special Action Force (SAF) members who were involved in providing escort services to a Chinese national.

In a statement on Friday, the PNP said these SAF personnel were found guilty of grave misconduct, dishonesty, grave irregularity in the performance of their duties, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer:

• Police Lieutenant Colonel Joseph A. Bagsao
• Police Executive Master Sergeant Aaron A. Turano
• Police Corporal George R. Mabuti
• Patrolman Roger R. Valdez Jr.
• Police Captain Roy A. Pleños
• Police Captain Dale Andrei D. Duterte
• Police Lieutenant Aaron F. Tudlong
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Edmark A. Mabini
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Albert S. Gandipon
• Police Captain Jesttony F. Asanion
• Police Lieutenant Michael C. Misa

Police Captain Mark Victor M. Pineda also faced 31 days of suspension after he was found guilty of simple neglect of duty and less grave neglect of duty. 

Meanwhile, three other police personnel were absolved due to insufficient evidence linking them to the alleged violations, according to the PNP.

These penalties stemmed from a May 18 brawling incident in a subdivision in Ayala-Alabang, Muntinlupa involving two of the SAF members who were allegedly “moonlighting” as security escorts for a Chinese national linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

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

Based on PNP Internal Affairs Service’s probe, former battalion commander Bagsao and ex-battalion executive senior police officer Turano had deployed Mabuti and Valdez as security for a Chinese family.

Pleños and Gandipon also concealed their absence by manipulating daily reports to falsely indicate that they were present on duty, according to the PNP.

Valdez also transferred funds, reportedly earned through his moonlighting activities, to another officer’s account, the PNP added.

“The investigation, supported by signed documents such as the Daily Personnel and Payroll Action Report (DPPAR), led to formal charges against the respondents. These actions clearly violated PNP regulations and responsibilities,” the PNP said.