2 cops, 1 other face charges

CEBU, Philippines - Two police officers and one of the non-uniformed personnel of the Police Regional Office-7 are facing summary hearing procedures for grave misconduct.

Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, chief of the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division -7, said that his office conducted a pre-charge evaluation on Police Officer 3 Rubi Molo, Senior Police Officer 3 Fernando Tumakay and NUP Joelito Mabia.   

Molo was accused of misusing cash donations for the survivors of typhoon Yolanda and the magnitude 7.2 earthquake. She was assigned at the Police Community Relations Office-7, which implemented a fundraising program to help the victims of the disasters.

She allegedly received donations the different Police Community Relations Offices in the region but failed to account P160,000.

Investigation officer SPO1 Evelyn Legue noted in her report that Molo’s colleagues observed a change in her lifestyle after the fundraising activity.

A text message sent to Camp Crame detailed how much money Molo allegedly received, prompting PRO-7 director Chief Superin-tendent Prudencio Tom Bañas to order Lawas to immediately conduct an investigation.

“For PO3 Rubi Molo, a formal charge of grave misconduct was already filed, was already approved and is now with the Discipline, Law and Order Section for the assignment of the summary hearing officer,” Lawas said.

For SPO3 Tumakay, he was assigned at the Regional Personnel and Human Resources and Development Division and was accused of extorting money from his fellow police officers to hasten their transfer from one station to another.

A police officer who wished to be assigned at Bohol Provincial Police Office reportedly expressed his dismay after Tumakay asked for money in exchange for his reassignment.

After giving a substantial amount, the complainant was transferred to Bohol.

“For SPO3 Tumakay, grave misconduct was also filed last October 23 they are just waiting for the designation of the summary hearing officer,” Lawas said.

Meanwhile, a case for grave misconduct has also been recommended against Joelito Mabia, who was accused of extorting money from police officers for the immediate release of their service records.

“Allegedly mangayo siya og certain amount, kung ako polis mangayo ko’g service record di molihok, kung naay mohatag paspas pa’s kilat,” Lawas added.

Lawas told reporters that Mabia’s actions were irregular since the region has a data base of the police officers’ records and should be given without delay.  

“This is not the normal procedure kay all records are available. Computerized na man diha so there’s no reason nga madugay na,” he added.

Lawas explained that once the summary hearing would be over and the officers found guilty of grave misconduct, they could be dismissed from service.  (FREEMAN)