PNP–IAS recommends dismissal of 8 policemen

For looting Cavite home of retired teacher during anti-drug operation

MANILA, Philippines — Eight anti-narcotics police officers accused of looting the house of a retired teacher in Imus, Cavite in August were recommended to be dismissed from the Philippine National Police by the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS).

The IAS, in a resolution released yesterday, found the eight – Senior Master/Sgt. Daisy Diones, Staff Sergeants Jesus Alday, Julius Barbon and Emil Buna, Corporals Jenerald Cadiang and Lew Amando Antonio, and Patrolmen Reymel Czar Reyes and Rene Mendoza – liable for grave misconduct, grave irregularity in the performance of duty, grave dishonesty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Alfegar Triambulo, IAS inspector general, said among the pieces of evidence they obtained against the police officers were closed-circuit television (CCTV) footages, which showed the police officers entering the house of the victim in Barangay Alapan 1-A.

In a text message, Triambulo said the video was “corroborated by the testimonies (of the) victim (and) other witnesses.”

IAS investigators also found that the officers provided false information in their report on the anti-drug operation – a finding that led to charges of grave dishonesty, Triambulo told UNTV.

The IAS cleared former Imus police chief Lt. Col. Michael Batoctoy of wrongdoing. Also absolved were Maj. Alexis Tuazon, S/Sgt. Walter Panaga and Cpl. Jessie Avila.

While Batoctoy signed the report submitted by the erring police officers, Triambulo said the police official was unaware of the irregularities committed by his subordinates.

Triambulo said they also considered Batoctoy’s immediate actions against the police officers, whom he immediately relieved from their posts after a video of the incident went viral on social media platforms.

“Nag-initiate siya ng isang investigation kaya hindi namin makitaan siya ng lapses bilang hepe (He initiated an investigation, that is why we could not find any lapses as chief),” Triambulo said.