16 policemen now under probe for irregularities

CEBU, Philippines - Sixteen police officers from the Cebu Provincial Police Office were placed under investigation after they were allegedly involved in illegal activities.

Senior Superintendent Eric Noble said the 16 police officers, including a police officer who already went on absence without official leave, are presently placed at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAO) of the CPPO.

Noble said this is part of the internal cleansing of the police force.

“(There were) reports that they were involved in certain illegal activities, which violates their oath as policemen,” he said.

The police officers involved hold the ranks of Police Officer 1 to Senior Police Officer 1.

Noble said the 16 policemen were placed under investigation by their office and spiritual counseling program officiated by Pastor Jonatan Acosta of Blessed Our Cops (BOC), which is based in Cebu City.

Acosta said he reads the gospel to the “erring” policemen during their sessions for enlightenment.

Noble said placing 16 cops at PHAO is a preventive measure done by CPPO.

Earlier, about 11 uniformed officers from the Mandaue City Police Office were also placed under investigation for their alleged involvement in separate illegal activities.  (FREEMAN)