PNP chief eyes raps vs 3 ‘insubordinate’ cops

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said yesterday they are eyeing administrative charges against three policemen, who accused a police official of physical assault, for refusing to follow orders during the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila on Wednesday.

Albayalde said he got word of the lawmen – Police Officer 3 Enrique Valdez and Police Officers 1 Ricardo Bautista and Jose Sinfroso – who filed charges of abuse of authority, physical injury and slander by deed against Chief Inspector Alden Panganiban for hitting their hands with a wooden stick after they refused to follow an order.

The three policemen are assigned to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit, where erring police officers are usually assigned for retraining.

Panganiban heads the Gandara police community precinct of the Manila Police District.

While he has ordered a probe of the supposed physical abuse, Albayalde said the three police officers are not off the hook.

“They will also be charged for non-compliance with a legal directive,” he said in a news conference in Camp Crame.

Albayalde said the three policemen should have followed Panganiban’s orders even if they belong to another unit.

Based on the report he received, Albayalde said Panganiban became irate after the three policemen did not follow his orders despite repeated instructions.

Panganiban said he ordered the policemen to clear devotees  milling in front of a restaurant along the procession route.

According to Albayalde, it is up to the three policemen if they will pursue criminal charges against the police official.