PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Dionardo B. Carlos on Sunday personally visited one of his non-commissioned officers whose right eye was blinded after being struck with a glass by a an allegedly drunk police colonel.

Carlos checked on the situation of Police Master Sergeant Ricky Brabante of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Police Regional Office 5 and promised to extend full assistance for his medical needs.

Brabante underwent a major operation that resulted to the loss of vision of the affected eye.

Carlos has ordered the PRO5 headed by Brigadier Gen. Jonnel C. Estomo to expedite the investigation of the case to be able to come up with a decision soon. The top cop emphasized that it is important to listen to both parties involved.

The suspect, Colonel Dulnoan Dinamling Jr. has been relieved as commander of the Aviation Security Group’s office in Region 5 and is now under the custody of his immediate superiors from the PNP-ASG.

“Iyon po ang ating gagawin, maalagaan ang ating mga personnel at kung may pagkakamali po ay ito po ang laging sinasabi ko na corrective care,” Carlos said.

The PNP chief maintained that the November 12 Legazpi City incident must be treated as an isolated case because the act of one will not bring down the entire organization.

He also gave assured that he will render his decision according to the facts of the case.

“Wala akong sinasabing I will only take care of the high ranking officers. As the Father of the PNP, I will take care of everybody even if you’re a general or a patrolman,” he said.

Carlos also reminded his officers and men to continue pursuing the good work that they are supposed to deliver to the people in line with their sworn duty to ‘serve and protect.’

The top cop said he is very much saddened by the Nov. 12 incident.

“The Philippine National Police is deeply saddened by an incident that involves a ranking officer of the Regional Aviation Security Group ho allegedly inflicted physical harm to his subordinate last November 12, 2021. We do not condone any act of violence within the organization as much as we uphold the right of every accuse for due process,” he said.

The PNP chief ordered the creation of a Special Investigation Task Group to conduct a deep probe into the incident Col. Dinamling Jr.

Estomo has recommended to the PNP-ASG headed by Brig. Gen. Ismael S. Yu the conduct of a summary dismissal proceeding on Dinamling who has been already relieved of his post and transferred to the ASG Personnel Holding and Administrative Section.

Estomo also ordered the relief of a classmate of Dinamling from the PNPA Academy, PRO5-RMFB commander, Col. Clarence Gomeyac following the incident which occurred after the latter celebrated his birthday inside their headquarters.

“Ipinag-utos na natin ang agarang imbestigasyon sa naturang insidente at nangangakong tutulungan ang naturang pulis na makamit ang nararapat na hustisya. Maging ang RMFB 5 commander ay atin na ring pinarelieve sa kanyang puwesto upang hindi mabahiran ang anumang imbestigasyon,” Gen. Carlos said.

“We maintain the integrity of the investigation giving equal right to both parties involved. Rank may have its privileges but it can never justify abuse of power and drunken misconduct, and PCol Dinamling will have to face the consequences of his actions,” the top cop added.

The actions were taken following an incident which took place inside the PRO5 RMFB headquarters around 12:30 a.m. last November 12.

During the incident, Dinamling was said to be already heavily drunk when he hit Brabante with a glass in the face. The policeman said that his superior also attempted to grab another bottle to smash his head again but was pacified by his companions.

The incident reportedly only reached the attention of Estomo two days later since concerned officials allegedly tried to keep it a secret. The SITG is investigating why Dinamling was not arrested and inquested for his offense which took place on a Saturday.

An angry Estomo ordered the immediate relief of Gomeyac and asked the PNP-ASG leadership to subject Dinamling to summary dismissal proceedings.

He also visited Brabante in the hospital and assured the victim that he will take care of all his bills. Estomo also vowed to fully support the decision of Brabante to file charges against Dinamling.

“Hindi pahihintulutan ng pamunuan ng PNP Bicol ang pananamtala sa pagamit ng posisyon at pagamit ng dahas sa hanay nito. Mananatiling pantay at patas ang pagdinig sa usaping ito. Makakaasa ang lahat sa maagap at agarang pag-aksyon upang maresolba ang isyu,” Estomo said.