Four cops may be dismissed after sneaking liquor, cigarettes inside Bilibid: Sinas

October 25, 2019

Four cops may be dismissed after deceiving police officers securing the New Bilibid Prison after they sneaked in bottles of liquor and boxes of cigarettes, according to the acting director of National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

In a press briefing on Friday, Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas said the two police officers who brought the illegal items inside reported to his office.

“What is said during the discussion, the one who brought liquor, he said someone ordered him,” Sinas said.

The cop who brought cigarettes also have the same alibi that’s why he ordered that their officers report to him.

Sinas said the two cops came from the Southern Police District (SPD) and Manila Police District (MPD) and the officers they are mentioning are a Police Staff Sergeant and Police Corporal.

“That is their alibi and the mere fact they have the intention to deceive, we will really investigate on it,” Sinas added.

For the 14 others, the NCRPO chief said cellphones were confiscated outside but they are still investigating if it is for personal use.

“We are waiting for the forensic exam of Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG),” he said.

Sinas said because of their intention to deceive, it can be considered as a grave offense.

“You cannot claim that the liquor is for personal use… and the 60 pieces of cigarettes,” he said.

“I talked to the legal (officer) of the Bureau of Corrections to give documents that could make our case strong… This one is a grave offense. Once proven, they can be dismissed,” he added.

On his suggestion for a reshuffle inside NBP, Sinas said the head of the Bureau of Corrections Gerald Bantag agreed on this.

On Thursday, Sinas said he is eyeing on just sending personnel from NCRPO- Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RFMB) instead of getting it from the stations in the districts.

“I talk to General Gerald (Bantag) and he said he is okay… those district personnel can then just focus on their districts,” he said.

The issue started after BuCor reported that around 16 police officers were caught trying to bring in cellphones, cigarettes and even liquor inside, which are all prohibited.

Due to this incident, Sinas relieved all cops involved. Ella Dionisio/DMS