11 SAF troopers face ax for escorting Chinese man

MANILA, Philippines — Eleven officers of the police Special Action Force (SAF) are facing dismissal from service for allegedly moonlighting as security escorts of a Chinese national believed to be connected with a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Muntinlupa.

The Philippine National Police- Internal Affairs Service (IAS) recommended yesterday the dismissal from the PNP of six police commissioned officers, including a lieutenant colonel, and five non-commissioned officers.

Two of the non-commissioned SAF troopers were arrested in May after they figured in a scuffle at the house of the Chinese in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa.

It is up to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil whether to approve or subject to further review the recommendation of the IAS.

If Marbil approves the IAS proposal, the benefits of the SAF troopers will be forfeited. They will be disqualified from appointment to other government posts.

IAS inspector general Brigido Dulay said the SAF personnel were found guilty of grave misconduct, grave dishonesty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

“The public has the right to expect the highest level of integrity from those sworn to serve and protect the people. Any deviation from this duty will be met with disciplinary sanctions,” he said.

During the hearing of the case, Dulay said there was evidence of a conspiracy among the SAF officers, who made it appear that the two commandos were physically present at their assigned unit in Zamboanga when they were in fact in Muntinlupa City.

Dulay said the lieutenant colonel, being the commander of the group, was also recommended for dismissal for command responsibility.

Instead of acting on the illegal activities of his subordinates, Dulay said the police official allowed the moonlighting scheme to flourish under his watch.

“He did not do anything. He turned a blind eye to the illegal activity of his men,” Dulay said.