PNP dismissed nearly 5,000 cops in past four years

October 12, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said a total of 15, 768 errant cops were penalized, with nearly 5,000 dismissed, in the past four years under their internal cleansing programs.

In a press briefing, PNP chief General Camilo Cascolan said all personnel were penalized for administrative offenses and involvement in criminal activity, including illegal drugs, grave misconduct, serious neglect of duty, serious irregularity, malversation, dishonesty, and graft and corruption.

Out of the total number of personnel found guilty of administrative offenses, Cascolan said 4,591 were dismissed from the service for serious infractions, while 7,888 were suspended and 846 cops were demoted.

He added 608 errant personnel were penalized with forfeiture of salary, 119 restricted to quarters, and privileges of 205 others withheld.

Among those dismissed from service, 549 were for drug-related cases comprising 410 who tested positive for drug use and 139 for involvement in illegal drug activities, Cascolan said.

“The PNP Internal Cleansing Program doesn’t stop there, rather it will continue to be implemented with greater zeal and commitment in the best interest of transparency and accountability in public service,” the PNP chief said.

On the issue on the chief of PNP Custodial Service Unit and a police officer from Taguig City, Cascolan said the PNP- Internal Affairs Service is conducting investigation on the two incidents.

Cascolan said the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) is already conducting the investigation on the criminal liability of Lt. Col. Jigger Noceda while the IAS is investigating for his administrative case.

Noceda was accused for allegedly harassing former Ozamiz City vice mayor Nova Parojinog while she is detained in the the PNP custodial facility.

According to WCPC, the incident happened twice this year.

“All affidavits were taken and the filing of criminal cases was actually done. On the filing of admin cases the family of Nova is still contemplating whether they would be filing… in the Ombudsman but IAS was also directed to investigate (the matte),” said Cascolan.

“We will not tolerate any wrongdoings of our people. As what I have said… if you don’t have reason we will have to arrest you, file cases against you, put you in jail,” he added.

Cascolan said Noceda is under restrictive custody.

As to the Taguig cop who allegedly harassed and arrested a female Grab driver, Cascolan said he also asked IAS to find out if who is really at fault.

“We are policemen, we are law enforcers and we investigate properly and the case of (PCapt Ronald) Saquilayan is still under investigation and evaluation. If we are able to evaluate, IAS been directed to investigate the case properly so that they would be able to know what to do with our people,” he said.

Cascolan assured the public they will file a case against Saquilayan if found that he is the one at fault.

“We will see to it henceforth that our people will always be following the rule of law and not tolerate violations of human rights,” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS