NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
50 Police Officials Face Criminal Charges For Involvement In 900 Kilogram Drug Case
Photo credit: Benhur Abalos
Secretary Benhur Abalos held a live press conference at the DILG-NAPOLCOM office to provide updates on the ongoing investigation regarding the 900-kilogram drug haul. Secretary Abalos emphasized the constitutional mandate for a unified national police force under the control and supervision of the NAPOLCOM.
During the press conference, Secretary Abalos introduced the members of the NAPOLCOM, including NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Alberto A. Bernardo, Commissioner Ricardo B. Bernabe III, Commissioner Beatrice Aurora A. Vega-Cancho, and Commissioner Edilberto DC Leonardo. Also present were PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda and former Special Task Force member General Samuel Nacion.
Secretary Abalos reported that criminal cases were filed with the Office of the Ombudsman against 50 police officials for violations such as perjury, false testimony, malversation of public property, and obstruction of justice. Among the 50 respondents, 48 appeared in the CCTV video, while the other two were charged based on conspiracy with the 48 individuals.
In addition to the criminal cases, administrative proceedings are also being conducted by the NAPOLCOM. A pre-charge investigation has been completed against the 48 PNP officers and members seen in the video, and a resolution is expected to be issued within 15 days. Administrative charges include misconduct, neglect of duty, irregularity in performance, and dishonesty, among others. Penalties for these charges may lead to dismissal from service and disqualification from public office.
Vice Chair Bernardo provided further details on the individuals involved in the case, including 12 commission officers and 38 non-commissioned officers. He stressed that everyone involved would be given the opportunity to explain their side and respond to the complaints filed against them.
During the question and answer portion, it was clarified that two individuals were charged based on alleged conspiracy, even though they were not seen in the CCTV footage. Their involvement will be determined through due process, and they will have the chance to present their side of the story.
The press conference concluded with a reminder to respect the privacy of the individuals involved and to allow them to explain their actions. The administrative proceedings are expected to be concluded within 15 days, after which the appropriate actions will be taken based on the results. The ongoing investigation aims to ensure a comprehensive and fair examination of the evidence gathered by the NAPOLCOM and the special investigative task force of the PNP.
During the press conference, Secretary Abalos introduced the members of the NAPOLCOM, including NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Alberto A. Bernardo, Commissioner Ricardo B. Bernabe III, Commissioner Beatrice Aurora A. Vega-Cancho, and Commissioner Edilberto DC Leonardo. Also present were PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda and former Special Task Force member General Samuel Nacion.
Secretary Abalos reported that criminal cases were filed with the Office of the Ombudsman against 50 police officials for violations such as perjury, false testimony, malversation of public property, and obstruction of justice. Among the 50 respondents, 48 appeared in the CCTV video, while the other two were charged based on conspiracy with the 48 individuals.
In addition to the criminal cases, administrative proceedings are also being conducted by the NAPOLCOM. A pre-charge investigation has been completed against the 48 PNP officers and members seen in the video, and a resolution is expected to be issued within 15 days. Administrative charges include misconduct, neglect of duty, irregularity in performance, and dishonesty, among others. Penalties for these charges may lead to dismissal from service and disqualification from public office.
Vice Chair Bernardo provided further details on the individuals involved in the case, including 12 commission officers and 38 non-commissioned officers. He stressed that everyone involved would be given the opportunity to explain their side and respond to the complaints filed against them.
During the question and answer portion, it was clarified that two individuals were charged based on alleged conspiracy, even though they were not seen in the CCTV footage. Their involvement will be determined through due process, and they will have the chance to present their side of the story.
The press conference concluded with a reminder to respect the privacy of the individuals involved and to allow them to explain their actions. The administrative proceedings are expected to be concluded within 15 days, after which the appropriate actions will be taken based on the results. The ongoing investigation aims to ensure a comprehensive and fair examination of the evidence gathered by the NAPOLCOM and the special investigative task force of the PNP.
Jun 14, 2023
