Marbil sacks Quezon City Police District chief

MANILA, Philippines — Following the alleged abuses committed by a member of the Quezon City Police District, Brig. Gen. Melecio Buslig Jr. was relieved as QCPD director on Monday.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered Buslig’s relief after an officer of the Masambong police station 2 broke into a house in Barangay Damayan and assaulted a minor.

The incident involving S/Sgt. Colonel Jordan Marzan occurred at 1 a.m. on Monday, according to an investigation report.

Marzan was reportedly drunk when he forced his way into the house looking for “Dimple” whom he accused of interfering with an anti-narcotics operation.

Marzan allegedly assaulted a girl who tried to stop him from entering the house.

Marbil said the incident is not just a case of misconduct, but a betrayal of the people’s trust.

“We will not allow any abusive officer to hide behind the badge. If you harm the people you swore to protect, you will be arrested, prosecuted and expelled from the service. No second chances. No exceptions,” Marbil said. “We are drawing a hard line.”

Marbil sacked Buslig for command responsibility, saying that “accountability should start at the top.”

Marzan was taken into police custody on April 21.

He is facing complaints for violation of domicile, slight physical injuries, grave threat and violation of Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

He also risks dismissal from the police service for grave misconduct.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said another mistake of Buslig is that he failed to immediately report Marzan’s case to him.

Aberin said it was the QCPD Station 2 commander who informed him about the incident.

“The NCRPO’s policy against police violating the law is non-negotiable. There is no second chance for scalawags,” he said.

Asked for comment, Buslig told reporters, “I respect the decision of the command.”

QCPD CIDU head, 2 others axed

In a related development, the chief of the QCPD’s criminal investigation and detection unit (CIDU) and two others were sacked after a female detainee left the police jail and met her family at a high-end hotel on April 18.

According to Aberin, CIDU chief Maj. Don Don Llapitan is being probed over the incident.

Llapitan admitted that the inmate left the detention cell.

Also relieved from their posts were Lt. Dexter Bernadas, the duty jailer, and desk officer Chief M/Sgt. Danilo Pacurib.

QCPD officer-in-charge Col. Randy Glenn Silvio did not disclose the detainee’s identity, who is facing four counts of qualified theft before a Quezon City court.

Sources said that the now relieved Buslig went to the CIDU office on April 18 and conducted an inventory of the detainees. — Mark Ernest Villeza