11 cops face admin raps for violent US Embassy dispersal

Manila policemen with shields block protesters from approaching the US Embassy on Oct. 19, 2016. Dozens were hurt when cops forcibly dispersed the protesters calling for an independent foreign affairs policy for the Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO

Administrative cases against 11 police officials are now pending with the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service for the violent dispersal of protesters at the United States Embassy in October.

READ: WATCH: Police van runs over protesters at anti-US rally

PO3 Franklin Kho, the policeman who rammed protesters with a van, faces a case of grave misconduct, IAS Chief of Staff Maria Lynberg Constantinopla told the House of Representatives’ human rights committee during its Tuesday hearing.

READ: Cop in van who rammed protesters did it before

PO1 Fernando Budong, who brandished a gun replica during the scuffle, faces a case of simple misconduct.

Nine higher ranking officials, including overall supervisor Senior Supt. Marcelino Pedrozo and Civil Disturbance Management ground commander Supt. Albert Barot, face cases of neglect of duty.

The other officials are Chief Inspectors Dionelle Brannon, Elmer Aceo, Roberto Miranda, Roberto Mangune and Joebi Astucia as well as Senior Inspectors Edgardo Orongan and Arnold Lising.

Investigation is still ongoing against three policemen only recently identified as PO1 Mark John Millares, PO1 Anthony Amores and PO1 Hermit Caligagan.

During the hearing, lawmakers from the militant Makabayan bloc questioned if sanctions against alleged erring policemen were too light.

Constantinopla said the officials did not face preventive suspension when the motu proprietary investigation was still being held because under the rules, they can only either be relieved (transferred to another office) or transferred to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit at the discretion of their appointing authority. RAM/rga