Central Visayas records at least 284 erring cops since 2016

CEBU, Philippines —  At least 284 cops in Central Visayas have been suspended, demoted and dismissed from the service since 2016.

Data from the Regional Internal Affairs Services (RIAS) showed that one policeman was dismissed from the service in 2016, five in 2017, 11 in 2018, eight in 2019, 13 in 2020, and four in 2021. This year, two who cops were dismissed.

RIAS-7 regional director, Police Brigadier General Elizalde Quiboyen, said that some of those dismissed cops faced administrative cases for violations not related to their service.

“Ang uban kanang violation sa PNP law, kanang sa babaye (VAWC), naay related sa serbisyo, kanang ni violate sa police operational procedure, sa illegal drugs so far, naa tay mga na dismissed na mga drug-positive na PNP,” said Quiboyen.

He added that when a report is received in their office, the RIAS will look into the matters to see if there’s a probable cause of the complaint to see if the cop subject of the complaint will be filed with an administrative case.

“Evidence-case gyud mi,” said Quiboyen

Those who are suspended, Quiboyen said, will not receive their salary – according to the days of their suspension – and their bonuses.

In 2016, two cops were demoted from their rank while 22 were suspended from service.

In 2017, four were demoted from their ranks and 32 faced suspension.

In 2019, six were demoted while 67 were suspended.

In 2020, three cops were demoted while 26 were suspended.

Last year, eight were demoted while 22 were suspended. — GMR (FREEMAN)