9 NCR cops up for relief, 28 probed for neglecting help desks

Police officials inspect a police assistance desk on Holy Wednesday, April 17, 2019. (File photo from INQUIRER.NET / CONSUELO MARQUEZ)

MANILA, Philippines — Nine National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) personnel are set to be relieved from regular duties, while 28 are being investigated for leaving their police assistance desks (PADs) unattended.

NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said this came after the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) held surprise inspections of PADs over the weekend.

Aberin gave the information on the cops’ relief in a chance interview with reporters at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Wednesday.

“We have ordered the investigation of 28. The RID held inspections. The police assistance desks were unmanned,” he revealed.

“Immediately, when we found out about it, based on the report of the RID, we ordered an investigation,”  Aberin said.

“As of this hour, it is positive there are nine [who would be relieved.] We’re just waiting on the Comelec clearance,” he added.

Section 9 of Comelec Resolution No. 11059 prohibits the transfer of assignments of any PNP personnel during the election period, which ends on June 11.

The NCRPO director said the police officers being investigated have the ranks of patrolmen, corporals, captains, and majors.

Aberin also said the police officers awaiting removal are from Manila and the Northern Police District.

But he did not give a breakdown of the ranks nor their places of assignment.

Cops using cellphones while on duty

Some of the police officers were also found using their cellphones during their duty, the NCRPO said in a statement on Tuesday.

READ: ‘Numerous’ police commanders now under probe – NCRPO

For his part, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil warned:

“When you’re on duty, you’re not allowed to use your phones. You cannot text or use your phones. We have radios. We’re very strict there.”

“We want our police officers to be alert, very aware of what they see in their surroundings,” Marbil said in another interview with reporters in Camp Crame also on Wednesday./apl/abc