QC-PLEB dismisses cop tagged in 2022 hit-and-run of tricycle driver

FILE PHOTO: REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/Illustration

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) on Monday ordered the dismissal from service of the former head of the city’s Police District Crime Investigation and Detection Unit tagged in the alleged cover-up of a hit-and-run incident that killed a tricycle driver in 2022.

In a 19-page decision, PLEB removed Police Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong from the service and meted a 60-day suspension on PCol. Alexander Barredo, PCpl. Joan Vicente and PSMS. Jose Soriano, while nine other police officers were also acquitted.

The case was decided by the Fourth Division of the PLEB — composed of its Chairman, Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan, Councilor Ma. Aurora “Marra” Suntay, Punong Barangay Tonito Calma, Atty. Colleen I. Calleja and citizen representative Ronnie Liang.

It can be recalled that Abong was charged for the death of Joel Larosa and the injury of the tricycle driver’s passenger in a hit-and-run case near Anonas Street in Quezon City.

Larosa’s family then lodged criminal complaints against Abong and accused him and the three other police officers of trying to whitewash the case by pinning the blame on a certain Ronald Centino.

Following this, the Quezon City Police District relieved Abong and the other cops involved.

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