18 NPD cops face ax for kidnappings

MANILA, Philippines — The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recommended the dismissal of 18 police officers from the Northern Police District for kidnapping.

In separate resolutions dated Nov. 20, IAS found the policemen guilty of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

IAS Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo said yesterday they are just waiting for PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa to approve their recommendations.

In an interview, Triambulo said the 18 are among the 66 policemen they have recommended for dismissal this month.

“Those are the cases we disposed for the month of November only,” Triambulo said a text message.

Eleven of the policemen were assigned in Malabon City and are accused of kidnapping a woman last May 20 in Barangay Veterans Village.

Senior Police Officers 2 Jerry dela Torre and Ricky Pelicano; Police Officers 3 Bernardino Pacoma, Michael Angelo Solomon and Luis Hizon Jr.; PO2s Michael Huerto and Wilson Sanchez; PO1s Frances Camua, Joselito Ereno, Ricky Lamsen and Jovito Roque Jr. also extorted P2 million in cash and a kilo of shabu from their victim, Norma Adrales, Triambulo said.

Adrales had just visited her boyfriend, who is serving sentence for a drug offense at New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, when she was kidnapped.

In a five-page resolution, the IAS debunked the lawmen’s defense they were conducting an anti-narcotics operation against Adrales in Barangay Potrero, Malabon on May 22, or two days after the victim’s kidnapping.

“The alleged anti-narcotics/test-buy operation is dented with irregularities right from the inception, notably, the participation of personnel who are not even members of Malabon City SDEU (station drug enforcement unit),” the resolution read.

IAS also found out the policemen falsified documents such as medical certificates to hide their illegal activity and pilfered half a kilo of shabu for planting of evidence against other drug suspects.

Seven police officers from Navotas City were also recommended for dismissal for the kidnapping and torture of a drug suspect on Aug. 11: PO3 Kenneth Loria; PO2s Jonnel Barocaboc and Jessrald Pacinio; PO1s Mark Ryan Mones, Christian Paul Bondoc, Emmanuel Benedict Alojacin and Jack Rennert Etcubanas.

In a seven-page resolution, the investigating body said the policemen conspired in kidnapping Mark Echapare and demanded P2 million from the victim’s family in exchange for the dropping of criminal charges.

Triambulo said around 300 police officers have been dismissed from the service for various offenses since he became the head of IAS last year.