ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – More than 200 policemen who failed to show up for their new assignment in Basilan remain in the service but stand to lose their jobs, police Director General Ronald dela Rosa said yesterday.
Dela Rosa admitted he could not just dismiss the defiant policemen, who are entitled to due process.
“They will ultimately be dismissed from service,” the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief said, adding that others will be marked AWOL or absent without official leave, also an offense that could lead to dismissal.
Dela Rosa ordered 310 police officers, mostly from the National Capital Region Police Office, reassigned to Basilan, the known lair of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. The policemen had offenses ranging from habitual absenteeism and tardiness to more serious offenses like testing positive for illegal drugs and involvement in criminal activities like extortion.
President Duterte met the officers early this month and ordered them reassigned to the southern province instead of sending them for retraining.
However, only 58 showed up for their new assignment. Several others asked for a reconsideration of decision, arguing that their offenses, like habitual tardiness and absenteeism, are considered minor.
At least 40 others asked to be excused because they have to appear in court hearings or are due for retirement.
Dela Rosa expects the 58 to reform and prove themselves clean and true to police service as he criticized those who said they were wrongly assigned to Basilan, telling them that the PNP is not stupid to assign just about anyone out of fancy.
The PNP, he added, is serious in its campaign to rid the organization of undesirable officers by filing administrative cases and investigating those reported to be involved in criminal activities.
– With Cecille Suerte Felipe