NCRPO to dismiss 2 cops involved in car theft

MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Regional Police Office will conduct summary dismissal proceedings against two policemen allegedly involved in extortion and car theft rackets.

“We will not hesitate to dismiss them from the police service once we have proven their guilt in the charges against them,” said NCRPO chief Director Roberto Rosales, referring to Police Officer 1 Sherwin Reyes, 33, and SPO2 Hector Gubatina.

Reyes of the La Loma police station in Quezon City was arrested by agents from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during an entrapment operation at a fastfood outlet in Tayuman, Manila last week upon the complaint of businesswoman Maribel Lopez.

Gubatina escaped arrest and is now being hunted.

Rosales directed Superintendent Matthew Baccay, head of the NCRPOs Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, to investigate Lopez’s complaint against Reyes and Gubatina.

“I’m saddened because we are doing all our best to bring the police closer to the public but our best efforts are stalled by incidents like this which is done by a small number in our ranks,” said Rosales.

The NCRPO chief warned that he will not hesitate to order the dismissal of Reyes and Gubatina from the police service once Baccay found sufficient evidence to indict them.

Reyes and Gubatina arrested Lopez’s former live-in partner Rodolfo Martinez, and his nephew Joel on alleged drug possession. They also seized Lopez’s maroon Toyota Revo, which the duo borrowed from her.

Lopez shelled out P150,000 for the safe release of Martinez and his nephew but they continue demanding money from her in exchange for the release of the vehicle.

Gubatina escaped taking along the vehicle, after getting wind that Reyes was arrested by the CIDG.