4 Zamboanga City cops axed for robbery

MANILA, Philippines — Four policemen tagged in a robbery incident in Zamboanga City in November have been dismissed from the service, the Philippine National Police said on Saturday.

Lt. Ariel Jolatoria, M/Sgt. Al-Najir Ynawat, S/Sgt. Edcel Nicolas and Pat. Ryan Apostol were found guilty of grave misconduct, according to Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, Zamboanga peninsula police director.

The dismissal took effect on Jan. 12, Masauding said.

The charges against the officers stemmed from a robbery at the house of businessman Al-Ghabid Umabong Abdul in Barangay Tetuan on Nov. 14 last year.

Reports said up to P2.1 million in cash and several phones were stolen from Abdul’s house.

The four policemen reportedly posed as agents of the Regional Special Operations Group and served a fake arrest warrant against Abdul’s father to gain entry into the businessman’s house.