4 cops axed for drug use

Four policemen from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) were dismissed from service after they tested positive for illegal drug use.

In a press release, Senior Supt. Audie Villacin, chief of Police Community Relations, said the Regional Appellate Board affirmed the decision of Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, chief of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas, to dismiss the four policemen.

PO1 Rico Caballero, PO1 Kristopper James Talam, PO1 Bob Maglasang and PO1 Gary Aying were found guilty of grave misconduct and dishonesty.

The four policemen filed an appeal but it was dimissed.

The four were dismissed from service effective April 12.

The penalty imposed against the four policemen is final and executory since RAB has the authority to decide with finality all cases on appeal, said Villacin.

Three other policemen were also ordered dismissed for the same offense.

PO1 Gregorio Bercero was also ordered dismissed but he filed an appeal with the RAB last Feb. 22.

Also found guilty were PO2 Elyzer Zafico and PO1 Mohammad Bungkalot. There was no record of the two policemen filing an appeal.

Another policeman, PO1 Gregg Abasolo, was also suspected of using illegal drugs but was cleared of charges after the confirmatory test showed a negative result.

The policemen underwent a surprise drug test in May 2, 2012.

Villacin said that the dismissal should serve as a warning to policemen involved in illegal drug activities have no place in the PNP organization.