Estomo orders men to hasten cases resolution of 25 erring cops
NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office director Major General Jonnel C. Estomo yesterday ordered the immediate resolution of the cases of erring Metro Manila policemen who are already under restrictive custody as a result of their serious offenses.
The Metro Manila police chief said the move was part of their intensified implementation of the internal cleansing program of Philippine National Police chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. aimed at fighting corruption in the force and ridding the force of misfits and scalawags.
NCRPO records showed that from 2019 to 2022, a total of 72 NCRPO personnel were placed under restrictive custody after being accused of committing grave administrative or criminal offenses.
Maj. Gen. Estomo said that upon investigation and verification, 47 of the 72 personnel were found with no record of administrative cases and are not really involved in any charges filed against them prompting him to order their immediate return to their former units to resume their duties.
The NCRPO chief said that of the remaining 25, four were dismissed from the service due to grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer after they were charged with major offenses under the Revised Penal Code including violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013, RA 7610 or the anti-child abuse law and acts of lasciviousness.
Maj. Gen. Estomo said that another was also terminated from the police service for violation of honor code after he was found to have misappropriated their class funds and altered documents.
Three others were demoted after being accused of extortion or receiving ‘payroll money’ from drug syndicates. Another two were suspended for 59 days due to grave misconduct after being involved in cases of illegal discharge of firearms, maltreatment, and less grave misconduct for violation of RA 11332 and disobedience.
RA 11332 which is an act providing policies and prescribing procedures and surveillance and response to notifiable diseases, epidemics and health events of public concern was enacted during the start of the pandemic brought about by the COVID-19 virus.
Maj. Gen. Estomo said that another five personnel were suspended for 60-days for conduct unbecoming of a police officer after they were found to have been involved in liquor and tobacco anomalies.
They were found to have violated RA 3019 which punishes any public officer anybody who causes any undue injury to any party including the Government or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official, administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality or evident bad faith.
The official said that three others were suspended for 180-days for conduct unbecoming of a police officer after they were found to have been involved in extortion and illegal discharge of firearms.
However, six were exonerated for charges of conduct unbecoming of a police officer after they were investigated for violation of RA 3019.
