Koronadal top cop sacked for drinking, card game session at police station

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of Koronadal City police was relieved from his post following the circulation online of a video showing him and his personnel in an alleged drinking and card game session inside the police station.

In a press statement issued Friday, Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, director of the Soccsksargen police, said the relief of Lt. Col. Benjiel Kirby Bajo as chief of Koronadal City police was effective Thursday.

Lt. Col. Rey Egos will replace Bajo in his post, said Lt. Col. Aldrin Gonzales, spokesperson of the Soccsksargen police. Bajo, meanwhile, will be transferred to the headquarters of the South Cotabato police.

According to Rasco, investigation is also underway to identify other personnel seen in the video so they can be “dealt with accordingly.”

“Surely, all PNP personnel who dares to violate the directives issued by the Chief PNP will be charged an administrative case of Grave Misconduct that is punishable ranging from dismissal, demotion and suspension from the service,” he said.

PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde has repeatedly warned all police officers to avoid nightclubs, beer gardens, karaoke bars, and pubs, as well as illegal gambling dens and other places devoted to vices, in accordance with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

READ: After Duterte’s directive, Albayalde reminds cops to stay out of bars

/kga