4 Laguna cops sacked for losing PNP-issued guns

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — For losing their firearms inside the Philippine National Police (PNP) barracks in San Pablo City in Laguna, four policemen were relieved from their posts on Sunday.

The four – a senior master sergeant, a staff sergeant and two patrolmen – allegedly fell victim to “salisi” or theft.

They were preparing to man a checkpoint along Maharlika Highway in Barangay San Antonio when they noticed that their firearms had been stolen.

Lt. Col. Chitadel Gaoiran, Calabarzon police director, said the four were reassigned to the personnel holding and accounting section of the Laguna Police Provincial Office while investigators determine if there were lapses in the performance of their duties.

Gaoiran said the relief is part of PNP policy to prevent the four from influencing the ongoing probe.

Stolen from the four were three Galil Ace assault rifles and an M-16 rifle.