2 Metro Manila police commanders relieved for command responsibility

February 24, 2019

National Capital Region Police Office Director Guillermo Eleazar on Saturday ordered the immediate relief of two Eastern Police commanders after the arrest of two Pasig City cops during the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s buy-bust operation.

In a statement, Eleazar relieved Chief Inspector Abraham Satorre, head of the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) of the Eastern Police District and Police Inspector Edward Olmedo, commander of Pasig Police Community Precinct 9 for command responsibility.

"The relief of their commanders is immediate, while internal investigation is in progress. It is hard for me to believe that the immediate commanders of such rogue policemen are totally unaware of their men's behavior. I expect the commanders to know their men thoroughly. At the least, the commanders must also observe and note the lifestyles and behavior of their men,” said Eleazar.

Satorre will be replaced by Chief Inspector Darwin Guerrero while Olmedo will be succeeded by Senior Inspector Mario Benito.

On Friday, two policemen assigned in their respective units were caught in an anti-drug buy-bust operation conducted by PDEA in Caltex Gas Station, San Guillermo Ave., Brgy. Buting in Pasig City.

PDEA agents identified them as PO2 Marlou Roldan, assigned in PCP 9 Pasig City Police Station; and PO3 Mark Vista of DSOU, EPD. Both were already relieved from their respective posts.

“It is good that they were arrested if they are involved in illegal drugs. Criminal and admin(istrative) charges must be filed against them. They should be put to jail and be removed from service eventually,” Eleazar said in a text message to reporters.

Authorities arrested the two policemen and a civilian after a brief firefight between the PDEA agents and the policemen.

PDEA will take custody of them upon release from the hospitals after sustaining gunshot wounds during the encounter.

“The NCRPO will be relentless in the implementation of the program. It is right that these rogue cops involved in illegal drugs are caught by any law enforcement agency. Criminal and administrative charges will be filed against them immediately, and they should be dismissed from the service,” said Eleazar. Ella Dionisio/DMS