6 Caloocan cops who robbed vendor axed

MANILA, Philippines — Six anti-drug operatives of the Caloocan City police were dismissed from the service yesterday after they were accused of robbing a sidewalk vendor of P14,000 in ayuda or cash aid from the government last April.

Ordered dismissed were Corporals Noel Sison, Rommel Toribio, Ryan Mateo, Jake Rosima, Mark Cabanilla and Daryl Sablay, all assigned at the Caloocan police drug enforcement unit.

They were sacked after the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police found them guilty of administrative charges for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

“The IAS found them unfit and unworthy of the trust and confidence of the people we ought to serve and protect,” National Capital Region Police Office director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said in a statement.

Last April, the police officers reportedly robbed and injured a vendor in Caloocan who was on his way to a fastfood restaurant to buy food for his children.

“There is no room for scalawags to stay in the police force. We will never tolerate abuse of power,” Estomo said.

He said the NCRPO would continue the crackdown on rogue police officers.