10 cops in ‘illegal’ arrest of Chinese nationals dismissed from service

MANILA, Philippines — Ten police officers and officials who were allegedly involved in the illegal arrest of Chinese nationals in Parañaque City in September last year have been dismissed from service, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

NCRPO said that their dismissal took effect on Monday, February 12.

It added that the officials involved were found guilty of “grave misconduct, grave irregularity in the performance of duty, grave neglect of duty, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, less grave misconduct, and less grave neglect of duty.”

The police officers who were dismissed from service are as follows:

• Police Lt. Col. Jolet Tutor Guevara
• Police Major Jason Domingo Quijana
• Police Major John Patrick Oxales Magsalos
• Police Captain Sherwin Clete Limbauan
• Police Master Sergeant Arsenio Kayoyog Valle
• Police Master Sergeant Mark Jinon Democrito
• Police Master Sergeant Danilo Lasona Desder Jr.
• Police Master Sergeant Roy Galang Pioquinto
• Police Master Sergeant Christian Cureg Corpuz
• Police Corporal Rexes Ursolum Claveria

Another police officer — Police Corporal Nick Palabay Cariaga — was likewise dismissed from service, but his discharge took effect last January 31.

Some of the officers who were dismissed were also cited for contempt and ordered detained at the House of Representatives premises during the lower chamber’s committee on public order and safety’s hearing on the case last February 5.

In an earlier hearing on January 23, NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. revealed that 34 police officers linked to the case are undergoing summary dismissal proceedings.

READ: Dismissal case starts vs 34 cops in illegal detention of 4 Chinese

Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop revealed during the hearing that four female Chinese nationals identified as Dang Lina, Hu Yi, Ling Lang Ping, and Li Huanhuan were “allegedly unlawfully accosted and arrested” and were brought in room 1811 of Solemare Parksuites condominium in Paranaque on September 16, 2023.

According to Acop, the victims were “detained for several hours without being informed of their alleged offense and Miranda rights and were deprived of contact with their legal representation.”

READ: House panel OKs 5-day furlough to cops detained over arrest of 4 Chinese

The lawmaker also disclosed that all four women were transferred to Southern Police District-DSOU in Taguig, where personnel allegedly asked them to shell out P2 million each for release.

He added that police reportedly justified the Chinese nationals’ days-long detention as “protective custody,” citing their purported status as “human trafficking victims” as a reason.