QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) about the status of a police colonel ordered dismissed for involvement in a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of a tricycle driver last year.

Belmonte made the appeal after receiving a report that Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Julio Abong, former member of the QC Police District (QCPD), has been arrested for indiscriminate firing last Sunday in a resto bar.

Reports said Abong went to Ralyoz Bar in Barangay Laging Handa Sunday morning to confront the manager.

The suspect also allegedly grabbed the necktie of one of the waiters before he went out of the bar and fired his gun twice.

In March 2023, the QC People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) ordered the dismissal of Labong for his involvement in a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of a tricycle driver last August 2022.

Abong appealed the QCPLEB’s decision before the Regional Appellate Board of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) but it was denied.

According to the PLEB, its decision must be implemented immediately as per Republic Act No. 6975 at 8551, particularly Napolcom Memorandum Circulars 2019 – 005 at 2016 – 002, which stated that the PNP must immediately implement the dismissal even if there is a pending appeal.

Abong is currently assigned to the PNP’s Legal Service in Camp Crame.

Abong has been charged with illegal discharge of firearm; violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act); and Omnibus Election Code; physical injury, slander by deed and disobedience of person in authority before the QC Prosecutor’s Office.

Meanwhile, Belmonte assured the business owners in the city that the local government will continue to support their business and their employees.

“Ang pangangalaga sa inyong kapakanan ay krusyal sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng ating lungsod,” Belmonte said in a statement.

“Mariin nating kinokondena ang anumang insidente ng karahasan, lalo na ang pagmamalabis sa tungkulin ng isang lingkod-bayan.

Hindi permiso ang tsapa sa pang-aabuso. Walang puwang ang ganitong gawi sa ating lungsod,” Belmonte added.