MANILA – Three police officers are facing dismissal from the service over the enforced disappearance of two men during an unauthorized checkpoint in Cavite province in July 2023.
In a statement Wednesday, Philippine National Police – Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) Inspector General Brigido Dulay said he has recommended to the office of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil the dismissal from the service of the three police officers with the ranks of lieutenant colonel, chief master sergeant, and patrolman after they were found guilty of administrative charges.
Another police officer, a chief master sergeant, was recommended for suspension for the same case.
The cops, whose names were withheld, are all assigned to the Imus City Police Office.
The officers have been charged administratively for setting up an unauthorized checkpoint, arbitrary detention, failure to turn over the detained men to the proper authorities within a reasonable time, failure to account for the alleged confiscated items, and the enforced disappearance of the two men.
“We will not tolerate any abuse of power or egregious misconduct, especially from those sworn to protect and serve the public, whether in uniform or not. We hope that our resolution provides a small measure of justice to the families of the disappeared, who continue to suffer from the pain of loss, fear, and the uncertainty of closure,” Dulay added.
The police officers initially denied involvement in the case, claiming they did not apprehend anyone at the checkpoint in the early hours of July 13, 2023.
However, closed-circuit television camera footage obtained by investigators showed that the two men were accosted by a group of individuals in civilian clothing, who were later identified as the involved police officers, along with alleged civilian force multipliers.
Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the two men, who were riding a motorcycle along with other motorcyclists, were stopped at the checkpoint and left behind by their companions.
After being detained for more than an hour, the two men were seen being escorted away by the officers and their companions. This was the last time they were seen alive.
The investigation uncovered that the involved officers were off duty and had no authority to conduct the checkpoint.
It was also claimed that the men had been apprehended for alleged possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia but no official record or turnover of the confiscated items was made. (PNA)