4 cops in alleged smuggling attempt at NBP may face dismissal–NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines — Four police officers allegedly involved in an attempt to smuggle contraband at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) may face dismissal from service if investigation shows they are guilty of this grave offense, Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting director, said Friday.

Sinas said two police corporals, one of whom allegedly attempted to smuggle 60 sticks of cigarettes and liquor hidden inside two bottles of iced tea, have reported before the NCRPO headquarters at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Friday morning.

Initially, 14 of the 16 officers accused of trying to smuggle contraband, including cellphones, inside the NBP, have earlier subjected themselves to investigation. The illegal goods were confiscated during inspection outside the facility and not inside the NBP as earlier reported.

But Sinas said the two police officers said they were only ordered to bring the cigarettes and liquor by two of their respective seniors, a police corporal and a staff sergeant, at the Manila Police District and the Southern Police District.

“Once mapatunayan [that they are guilty], dismissal po talaga ito [Once proven, surely this is dismissal],” he said in a press briefing at Kamuning Police Station in Quezon City, referring to the possible punishment against the four police officers, whose identities he refused to release.

“[Based on] the mere fact that they have the intention to deceive, talagang iimbestigahan natin ‘yun [we will really investigate this],” he said.

Sinas said they have yet to identify if the items were supposed to be sold to inmates inside the NBP, but disclosed that cellphones, cigarettes, and liquor are said to have a high price tag inside the national penitentiary.

The cellphones of the accused policemen have also been subjected to forensics by the Anti-Cybercrime Group. /jpv

READ: NCRPO probes 16 cops nabbed for smuggling contraband inside NBP