2 SAF troopers relieved for guarding Chinese man

Police Cpl. George Rojo Mabuti (L) and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez —official Facebook page of the NCRPO Regional Public Information Office

MANILA, Philippines — Two elite policemen from the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police who were arrested on Saturday after they figured in a scuffle at a posh village in Muntinlupa City, turned out to be moonlighting as personal bodyguards to a Chinese national involved in online gambling operations.

The two PNP-SAF personnel identified as Police Cpl. George Rojo Mabuti and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez were found “providing VIP security to a Chinese national” linked with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) during the investigation.

Mabuti is assigned with the 52nd Special Action Company, while Valdez is under the 55th Special Action Company, both in Zamboanga province.

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According to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), law enforcers from Ayala-Alabang Police Sub-Station 5 responded to complaints about the “disturbance” caused by an altercation between the two policemen on Saturday. Mabuti reportedly fled the scene and sought refuge in one of the houses in the village, causing panic among residents.

Superiors penalized

Mabuti and Valdez, along with seven of their superiors who had direct supervision over them, were relieved pending the outcome of an investigation.

“This action underscores the SAF’s commitment to accountability and maintaining the highest standards of conduct,” the NCRPO said.

The two policemen were detained at the Muntinlupa City Police Station after the altercation. A case for “alarms and scandals” was filed against them and set for inquest proceedings before the City Prosecutor’s Office, the NCRPO said.

All nine PNP-SAF personnel who were relieved from their posts would be facing administrative charges “for neglect of duty and misconduct for moonlighting and unauthorized provision of VIP security,” it added.

The PNP-SAF, in a separate statement, said it was taking the incident seriously and “appropriate disciplinary measures would be enforced against any personnel found guilty of violating regulations.”