2 cops sacked for riding motorbikes without helmets

MANILA, Philippines - Two Manila policemen were relieved from their post yesterday after National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Marcelo Garbo Jr. saw them riding motorcycles without wearing helmets.

Garbo was on his way to conduct inspections at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) when he chanced upon Police Officer 1 Andreo Nuñez and PO1 Mark Jason Paez. One of the two policemen, both assigned at the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 3, also reportedly sported a beard.

Chief Superintendent Dennis Peña, NCRPO’s deputy chief for operations, confirmed the relief of Nuñez and Paez.

There are also reports that Garbo sacked MPD Station 3 chief Superintendent Ricardo Layug and precinct commander Senior Inspector Robinson Maranion but both Peña and Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, MPD chief of staff claimed they have not received such orders as yet.

“What I know is that the two policemen who were wearing no helmets while driving their motorcycles were relieved. But I have no knowledge with regards to the relief of Maranion and Layug,” Peña said in an interview.

Garbo was only implementing the law when he ordered the relief of Nuñez and Paez, he added.

“It is just and proper for the two erring policemen to be relieved once they are found violating the law,” the NCRPO operations chief pointed out.

Garbo has been inspecting not only police stations but also police checkpoints at all entry and exit points in the metropolis to prevent politicians and criminals from sneaking in firearms and explosives before the barangay elections on Oct. 28.

Earlier, Garbo sacked at least 82 policemen, including officials, for committing various infractions.

On Tuesday, eight police officers from the Muntinlupa City police station were relieved for tardiness and absenteeism.