Administrative proceedings vs 18 cops linked to Soriano kidnapping start

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) starts today the administrative proceedings against 18 Manila policemen linked to the kidnapping of former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent Martin Soriano and various extortion rackets.

Superintendent Napoleon Taas, NCRPO’s intelligence chief, said the cops should report to his office to explain why they should not be cited for serious neglect of duty for not appearing on the scheduled meeting with their accusers last week despite strict orders by their superiors for them to surface.

Taas said the Manila policemen headed by Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo could be dismissed from the police service if they fail to submit sufficient grounds for their non-compliance to the directives of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Edgar Aglipay and NCRPO chief Director Avelino Razon Jr.

"I’m starting my investigation on the administrative aspect of the case against Pedrozo and his companions and I would like them to appear and explain their side," said Taas in an interview.

Earlier, Pedrozo insisted that he and his men will not appear before the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER) in Camp Crame because they will be subjected to "trial by publicity."

The policemen’s lawyer instead appeared at the PACER office and made inquiries regarding the case filed against his clients.

Taas said at least five accusers, including Caroline Guillen and businessman Allan Sycip, were waiting for Pedrozo and his group to surface at the PACER headquarters.

The NCRPO intelligence chief said Pedrozo and his group also failed to report to the NCRPO Headquarters Service Security Group (HSSG) where Aglipay wanted them re-assigned while the PACER investigation is ongoing.

Superintendent Marcelo Manalo, HSSG commander, will submit his recommendation to Razon today for the continued non-compliance of Pedrozo and his group to another Aglipay directive.

Pedrozo and his group are reporting daily to the holding center of the Western Police District (WPD).

Soriano, who was arrested in Quezon City last Jan. 31 while receiving P200,000 in exchange for the release of Guillen, whom they arrested for possesion of illegal drugs, linked Pedrozo and his group to illegal activities.

Taas said more than five other victims of Soriano and his cohorts surfaced at the PACER yesterday and identified 11 of the Manila policemen as among their abductors.

Aside from Pedrozo, other policemen who were relieved from their posts after Soriano’s revelations were Inspector Casan Ali, SPO1 Elmer Manalang, SPO2 Fernando Cantillas, PO3 Rodolfo Enterina, PO2 Arsenio Tercino, PO2 Ernie Reyes, PO2 Alexander de los Reyes, PO2 Ronilo Marquez, PO1 Ronaldo Rivera, and PO1 Ramil de Guzman.

Razon explained that the administrative case being handled by Taas against the group of Pedrozo is separate from the criminal investigation being conducted by PACER officer-in-charge (OIC) Director Robert Delfin.

Delfin is set to summon Pedrozo and his group for the second time to the PACER office anytime this week.