PNP chief axes 2 cops for colleague’s murder

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar yesterday dismissed two policemen accused of murdering a colleague and attempting to cover it up by claiming the victim had committed suicide.

Eleazar signed the dismissal order of Cpl. Sherwin Rebot, who was found guilty of grave misconduct, obstruction of justice, simple irregularity in the performance of duty, less grave neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Eleazar also kicked out of the police service Cpl. Harold Mendoza for less grave neglect of duty, simple irregularity in the performance of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Rebot and Mendoza have been stripped of their benefits. They are also prohibited from holding any public office.

“May this serve as a warning to all police officers that I will not let this kind of incident pass,” Eleazar said in a statement.

The policemen were implicated in the murder of their colleague in the Police Security and Protection Group, Cpl. Higinio Wayan, in Quezon City on May 31.

The two claimed Wayan shot himself in the chest following a drinking binge at a house in Barangay Commonwealth.

However, probers became suspicious after Wayan tested positive for gunpowder nitrates, based on a paraffin test on his body.

A civilian, who was with the police officers, told investigators Rebot shot Wayan after he lost in an arm wrestling match against the victim.

Rebot is facing charges of murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition while Mendoza is being held for murder by conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

Wayan’s mother, Maximina, did not reply when sought for comment.

However, in a Facebook post yesterday, she said dismissal from service was “not enough punishment for… Rebot,” whom she described as a “murderer.”