3 police majors to get ax over body cam deal

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police officer in charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, is set to ax three police majors who allegedly tried to rig the bidding for the acquisition of 3,000 body-worn cameras.

Following Monday’s presentation and blessing of the PNP’s newly acquired equipment, Gamboa told reporters that he intended to sign the dismissal papers of Majors Emerson Sales, Rholly Caraggayan and Angel Beros, former members of the PNP bids and awards (BAC) committee technical working group.

P5-M extortion

He pointed out that the PNP Internal Affairs Service had concluded its investigation on the three police officials and had recommended their dismissal from service.

Only Beros remains in active service while Sales and Caraggayan have been declared absent without leave (Awol).

Gamboa, a former PNP BAC chair, said he initiated summary dismissal proceedings for the three police majors after a bidder for the P334-million body camera contract filed an extortion complaint against them early this year.

The trio allegedly asked for P5 million from the bidder who allegedly paid the amount but was still disqualified from the bidding.

Gamboa said he intended to sign the dismissal order for the three police majors on Monday.

“They have 10 days to appeal my decision,” he said.

He added, “As I have promised, we will be transparent. Those who are answerable, especially those who are corrupt, will be dismissed swiftly. As fast as we could.”