PNP recommends dismissal, demotion of cops in PDEA-QCPD shootout

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (IAS) has recommended the dismissal of a policeman and demotion of 10 others who figured in a shootout with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City in February last year.

The IAS submitted its resolution on the administrative cases filed against the police officers before the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management’s discipline, law and order division on Feb. 4.

The IAS recommended the dismissal of Cpl. Alvin Borja, who was charged with homicide for the death of PDEA agent Rankin Gano.

IAS inspector general Alfegar Triambulo said Borja is also facing a complaint for attempted homicide.

“Ang dami niyang charges kaya hindi ma-offset,” Triambulo said in a phone interview.

The IAS is also seeking the demotion of 10 police officers. Among them are Maj. Sandie Caparroso, former chief of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD)’s District Special Operations Unit, and his deputies, Lieutenants Honey Besas and Ronnie Ereno.

The other seven are police non-commissioned officers.

The IAS has cleared of administrative liabilities 29 policemen, including Special Weapons and Tactics officers, who responded to the shootout.

Three law enforcers died in the encounter between the QCPD and PDEA operatives.