PNP to file charges vs ex-SAF chief, 3 men in coup plot

The Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) found probable cause to warrant administrative proceedings against Special Action Forces head Chief Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr. and three other SAF personnel linked to the foiled Feb. 24 coup.

DIDM chief Director Marcelo Ele Jr. said there was probable cause to hold Franco for negligence over the SAF chief’s alleged failure to monitor "reported recruitment of his men for destabilization against the government under President Arroyo."

Ele said the three other SAF men, Superintendent Benjamin Magalong, SAF 1st battalion commanding officer Chief Inspector Eric Dilag and Light Reaction Unit commander Senior Inspector Ryan Paloma were charged with grave misconduct for allegedly participating in the destabilization efforts and attempting to recruit men to beef up the main destabilization force.

"In the course of the administrative proceeding, if evidence is gathered to warrant the filing of criminal charges, that’s the time they could be charged criminally," Ele said.

He said the DIDM will serve as prosecutor and that their recommendation will be heard by the summary hearing officer Chief Superintendent Manaois, who was appointed by PNP Director General Arturo Lomibao.

Ele said the DIDM’s recommendation against the four was based on the reported attempt to overthrow the government during the 20th anniversary celebration of EDSA I last Feb. 24.

The four police officers have yet to air their side of the story and will be asked to file their comments on the case as soon as the summary hearing panel is convened.

Ele also said the summary hearing will provide the four SAF personnel with a "chance to defend themselves and to clear their names."

Franco was allowed to retire on March 8 after reaching 56, the mandatory retirement age for PNP personnel. However, he has yet to get his retirement benefits.

The STAR tried to get Franco’s reaction but he did not answer his mobile phone.

In an earlier interview with The STAR, Franco refused to comment on the charges against him: "Tahimik na lang ako. Basta wala akong kasalanan (I will remain silent. I maintain that I have done no wrong)."

If found guilty of the offenses they are accused of, these four officers of the PNP’s elite unit will be penalized with the forfeiture of their retirement pay and Magalong, Dilag and Paloma will be dismissed from the service.

The summary hearing proceedings were likened by Ele to the court- martial proceedings now underway against Army Scout Ranger commander Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and other suspected coup plotters enlisted in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The AFP is also investigating some of its personnel who were linked to efforts to oust President Arroyo through a coup d’etat.

Ele said the four SAF men were not the only PNP personnel subjected to investigation. He said they also investigated a number of officers, who were "cleared immediately with no evidence to link them to the destabilization plot." Ele refused to name those who had been cleared in the investigations.

Both PNP chief Lomibao and AFP chief of staff Gen. Generoso Senga said their organizations remain solidly behind the President and her duly constituted government.

For months, Mrs. Arroyo’s presidency has been hounded by accusations of massive cheating during the May 10, 2004 presidential elections and allegations of corruption.