Cop in extortion try of NCRPO chief’s son, 4 others ordered dismissed

NCRPO Chief Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina . PHOTO/RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines–Erring policeman Senior Police Officer 4 Jose del Rosario de la Peña Jr. of Quezon City Police District (QCPD), along with four others, were ordered dismissed from duty Wednesday following string of misconduct cases filed against them, National Capital Region Police Office director, Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said.

In a press briefing, Espina said the erring policemen were ordered removed from the service for two counts of grave misconduct and three counts of serious irregularity in the performance of duty based on the complaint of retired General Celso Castro in 2009.

Espina identified the four policemen as Police Officer 3 Rodolfo De Jesus; PO3 Carlos Bromeo; PO2 Crodel de Jose; and PO2 Dionel Rosario.

He said de la Peña, who was also involved in a P20,000-extortion try against Espina’s son, will suffer the forfeiture of all his benefits (including retirement benefits and pension amounting to millions of pesos); his eligibility; and disqualification for re-employment in the police service.

Espina said de la Pena, and the four other officers were conducting  a random checkpoint at the corner of Betty Go Belmonte and Dama de Noche Streets in Barangay (village) Mariana, New Mania, Quezon City on November 7, 2009 when they flagged down the vehicle of Castro’s son.

De la Peña then asked for the driver’s license and then opened the door of the passenger seat and dipped his hands inside the pouch of the car. He also directed his police companions to search extensively the interior of the car by opening the backseat doors and searched beneath the car seats.

He also drove the car of Castro’s son while the latter was on board their patrol car.

“Everybody should behave under my command.” Espina said, adding that offenders will be punished.

De la Peña, he said, is facing other charges for robbery, extortion, threat, and harassment.

Espina said an inventory of major cases involving policemen are underway and will be resolved within 30 days.

Other erring policemen lined up for dismissal are as follows:
·         PO1 Adolfo Bautista Jr for  Serious Neglect of Duty and Less Grave Neglect of Duty
·         PO2 Ferdinand Q Raquin for Grave Misconduct (Violation of Napolcom Memo Circular 2007-001)
·         PO2 John Pierre Bautista and PO1 Benjamin Gonzales for  Robbery Extortion
·         PO1 Rommel A Isidro for Positive for Use of Dangerous Drugs
·         SPO2 Federico D Lictawa for Serious Neglect of Duty (AWOL)
·         PO1 Nicoli I Vigilia for Grave Misconduct (Serious Physical Injury)
·         PO1 Eric Babasa for Murder
·         PO1 Rustico Gabuco for Homicide and Serious Neglect of Duty (AWOL)
·         PSUPT ROGELIO ROSALES for  Serious Neglect of Duty (absent without official leave)
·         PO2 Repablo B Genarao for Grave Misconduct, Illegal Discharge of Firearm / Alarm and Scandal.

Meanwhile, Espina called on to the public to file a complaint against police officers under the NCRPO who will be involved similar misconduct cases.

He said the number to text for complaints is 0999-901 8181.