Taguig police chief stays in post pending investigation

MANILA, Philippines—The beleaguered chief of police of Taguig, Senior Supt. Tomas Apolinario, is staying put in his post, a police spokesman said Friday.

Since Tuesday, Apolinario and nine of his subordinates have been under investigation by the Metro Manila police command following allegations by PO3 Alexander Saez of anomalies in the Taguig police force, such as the anti-illegal drugs unit’s reselling confiscated narcotics.

Earlier, National Capital Region Police Office director Chief Supt Leonardo Espina said that should the investigation find probable cause against Apolinario and his men within the week, he will order their temporary administrative relief from their posts.

NCRPO spokesperson Senior Supt Dionardo Carlos said that as of Friday, “Apolinario stays in the Taguig PNP.”

“Saez’ allegations were all done in the media. Saez has no sworn written affidavit yet with the National Bureau of Investigation,” Carlos said in a text message to the Inquirer.

Carlos said the investigation is ongoing, and that the special investigating team formed by the NCRPO was just awaiting Saez’ s formal complaint.