Another ‘ninja cop’ dismissed from service

MANILA, Philippines — Another so-called ninja cop was removed from the service for his involvement in two allegedly anomalous police operations, including the antinarcotics raid in Pampanga in 2013.

The Philippine National Police officer in charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, told a press briefing on Monday in Camp Crame that he had ordered the dismissal of Lt. Joven de Guzman whose case was reviewed by the PNP internal affairs service for a graver offense.

De Guzman was previously charged with a lesser offense, punishable with a 59-day suspension, for a May 4 sting against a suspected drug offender he and his men intercepted at a checkpoint in Antipolo City and allegedly robbed of P66,300 cash.

Six of the men, including three who were also involved in the Nov. 29, 2013, questionable drug bust in Mexico, Pampanga, have been dismissed from service. —Jeannette I. Andrade