AMID the pandemic and controversies, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) continues its efforts to professionalize the Philippine National Police (PNP) by cleansing its ranks from erring police personnel with the resolution of summary dismissal cases since March to date.

A total of 275 administrative cases involving 515 members of the PNP were decided during the En Banc sessions held since March. NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Vitaliano N. Aguirre II stated that out of the 166 police personnel who were imposed with disciplinary sanctions, 75 were dismissed from the police service; 48 were penalized with one rank demotion; and 43 were suspended.

Among those dismissed and demoted were two high-ranking PNP officials. Copy of the NAPOLCOM Decision was already endorsed to the Office of the President for confirmation since said police officials are Presidential appointees.

Meanwhile, four police personnel were reprimanded while seven were exonerated after the Commission found no substantial evidence to hold them liable for the charges they were complained of.

The administrative cases filed against the remaining number of police personnel were dismissed for lack of substantial evidence; lack of jurisdiction; failure to prosecute; forum shopping; or remanded to the Summary Hearing Officer.

Vice Chairman Aguirre stressed that the NAPOLCOM is committed to provide the public with a well-disciplined police force by ensuring the speedy disposition of pending cases through the monthly convening of the members of the NAPOLCOM En Banc to deliberate and approve NAPOLCOM Decisions on summary dismissal cases.

“We assure the public that the NAPOLCOM fully supports the government’s effort to rid the police service of scalawags and misfits by fast-tracking the resolution of administrative cases against PNP members filed before the Commission,” Vice Chairman Aguirre said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jun I. Legaspi