PNP recommends dismissal of 11 cops for alleged moonlighting cover-up

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday recommended the dismissal of 11 officers for allegedly covering up the illegal activities of two moonlighting Special Action Force (SAF) personnel.

According to the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS), evidence showed a conspiracy among the 11 officers to make it appear that SAF commandos Corporal George Rojo Mabuti and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez were rendering official duties at the 52nd and 55th Special Action Companies Zamboanga, respectively.

Mabuti and Valdez, however, were allegedly serving as security escorts for a Chinese national said to be linked to a Philippine offshore gaming operator and were apprehended in a village in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City following a fistfight last May.

READ: Police nab 2 moonlighting SAF members following a fistfight

The PNP IAS on Tuesday said it found the 11 officers guilty of grave misconduct, grave dishonesty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Of the 11 recommended for dismissal, six were police commissioned officers, including a lieutenant colonel; and five were police non-commissioned officers.

Meanwhile, the two SAF personnel were guilty of moonlighting, grave irregularities in performing their duties, and engaging in protective services to private persons without approval from the Police Security and Protection Group, the PNP IAS said.

READ: 2 moonlighting SAF members freed, now under restrictive custody

“This resolution serves as a stern reminder that no police officer is above the law. The public has the right to expect the highest level of integrity from those sworn to serve and protect the public,” IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay said in a statement.

“Any deviation from this duty will be met with the appropriate disciplinary sanctions,” he added.

Last July, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil warned that moonlighting officers would be caught and dismissed from the service.

Moonlighting is the practice of having jobs in addition to one’s regular employment.

READ: PNP chief warns moonlighting cops