30 cops face raps for abandoning checkpoints

MANILA, Philippines - At least 30 police officers in Metro Manila face charges of serious neglect of duty after they reportedly abandoned checkpoints they were supposed to man, an official said yesterday.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Marcelo Garbo Jr. said the police officers were nowhere to be found when officials inspected checkpoints set up all over the metropolis.

The police officers – whose ranks range from Senior Police Officer 1 to Senior Inspector – may be suspended or dismissed from service if they are found guilty.

The NCRPO is intensifying checkpoint operations at all entry and exit points in Metro Manila to implement the gun ban imposed by Commission on Elections for the Oct. 28 barangay elections.

The police officers abandoned checkpoints set up in Caloocan City; Cubao and EDSA in Quezon City; Kalentong in Mandaluyong City; and España Boulevard in Manila, Garbo said.