NCRPO stops getting on-the-job trainees in police stations

June 4, 2020

The chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Thursday ordered the termination of accepting OJT (on-the-job) trainees in stations and units following an alleged rape incident in Manila Police District (MPD) last March.

Police Major General Debold Sinas said the policeman involved in the incident was relieved from his post and placed at the District Holding & Accounting Unit.

“A News Article from Tribune regarding “Cop rapes, forces abortion on trainee” was released today, June 4, 2020. Accordingly, the alleged rape of one female criminology student who applied for an On-the-Job-Training (OJT) by Police Captain Heherson Zambale of Sta. Cruz Station, Manila Police District happened last March 7, 2020,” Sinas said.

“I have directed all district directors and chiefs of police to terminate the practice of accepting OJT, especially if such arrangement is existing in their stations or units. From now on, all requests for On-the-Job-Training (OJT) must strictly be forwarded to the Regional Learning and Doctrine Development Division to be validated by Regional Intelligence Division for complete background investigation,” he said.

Sinas said Manila Police Director Brigadier General Rolando Miranda investigated the incident three weeks ago. Miranda  immediately ordered the relief of the police officer from his post, reassigned him to DHAU and recalled his issued firearm, pending further investigation.

He added the case was also investigated by the Women and Children Protection Division (WCPD)- MPD last May 8 when the complainant appeared and gave her statement.

Upon substantiating her complaint with a medical certificate last May 28, the Women's and Children's Desk of MPD formally filed a complaint of rape and induced abortion against Zambale including his wife, Aliah Zambale as co-conspirator and two Jane Does before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office last June 1.

“Likewise, an administrative case will be filed against subject police officer,” Sinas said.

Sinas said they will not tolerate such acts in the organization.

“We will continue to cleanse the ranks of NCRPO… we are bound to enforce the law, protect the abused, and ensure that the public can depend and rely on us 24/7,” Sinas said. Ella Dionisio/DMS