Eleazar assures dismissal of cop in illegal firearms, vehicle trade

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar (Image from PNP)

MANILA, Philippines — The police officer who was caught selling firearms and motor vehicles with questionable documents will be facing an internal investigation, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar assured the public on Thursday.

Eleazar said he has directed the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) to start the investigation and summary dismissal proceedings against P/SSgt. Michael Salinas, who was one of the eight individuals arrested in Parañaque City last September 3.

 Eleazar said that according to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., it appears that Salinas is the leader of the group.

 Prior to his arrest, the police officer was assigned to the Manila Police District (MPD).

“Isang pulis na naman ang nasangkot at nahuli sa paggawa ng iligal at tinitiyak ko na sisipain natin sa serbisyo ang Police Staff Sgt. Michael Salinas na ito sa patuloy nating paglilinis sa mga abusado at utak-kriminal sa aming hanay,” Eleazar said in a statement.

 (Another police officer involved in illegal activities was caught red-handed, and I assure you that Police Staff Sgt. Michael Salinas would be dismissed from the service as part of our campaign to rid our ranks of abusive and criminal minds.)

 “I have already directed the Internal Affairs Service to initiate summary dismissal proceedings against him,” he added.

 Eleazar said that the arrest of Salinas is still part of the PNP’s Intensified Cleanliness Policy (ICP) under his watch, which aims to rid the police force of the so-called ‘palakasan’ or padrino system, where preferential treatment is extended to officers with connections to higher-ups.

 “Hindi lamang PNP ang makikinabang sa pagtanggal natin sa mga ganitong uri ng pulis kundi ang taumbayan na rin na dapat ay aming pinagsisilbihan ng tapat at maayos,” he said.

 (It is not only the PNP who would benefit from the dismissal of these kind of police officers but also the public itself, whom we should serve honestly and properly.)

 gsg