67 erring police officers face dismissal; harsher punishment set

Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, PNP chief (Photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

President Rodrigo Duterte is set to fire 67 police officers, including a senior superintendent, this month for various offenses, the Philippine National Police chief said on Monday.

“We have been harsh already. We will be harsher this time around. Harsh to the harshest level. We will not be forgiving. There will be no mercy for erring policemen,” PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa told reporters.

Dela Rosa made the remarks in commenting on the statement of Eduardo Año, the newly designated Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer in charge, that he would clean up the PNP image.

The DILG has supervisory powers over the PNP.

Dela Rosa said he and Año had had “initial discussions” on how to improve the image of the police.

“Among the recommendations to him (Año) was impose harsh punishment. We have already been harsh,” he said.

Dela Rosa said Rogelio Casurao, executive officer and vice chair of the National Police Commission, had told him that the Napolcom would complete this month the resolution on the dismissal of the 67 policemen.

“It will be submitted to Malacañang for the approval of the President before the end of the month because we are properly observing due process,” he said.

“If the resolution is for the dismissal from the service, then I am sure the President will agree right away, especially for these third-level police officers, including the senior superintendent,” Dela Rosa said.

The policemen were investigated by the Napolcom in connection with various offenses, including involvement in illegal drugs, going on absence without leave, grave misconduct, and neglect of duty.