PNP: No outright reinstatement for cops acquitted in Maguindanao massacre case

MANILA, Philippines—Police officers who were acquitted in the Maguindanao massacre case may be reinstated, but not automatically, Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said Friday.

“The PNP rules and regulations also allow accused PNP personnel acquitted of charges to return to their duty,” Banac said in a press briefing.

Fifty-six of the 101 accused who underwent trial, mostly police officers, were acquitted of multiple murder by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Thursday.

READ: QC court acquits 56, mostly policemen

Banac, however, stressed that their “acquittal does not necessarily translate to automatic reinstatement” in the police ranks.

“Their dismissal from the PNP stemmed from the preponderance of evidence which is entirely different from criminal case proceedings,” he said.

Nonetheless, Banac said the status and individual case folders of the acquitted police officers are being reviewed to prepare their recommendation should they opt to apply for restoration to full duty status.

GSG