Eleazar OKs dismissal of 2 cops involved in death of fellow police officer in QC

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar on Friday signed the dismissal order for the two cops who were linked to the death of their fellow police officer in Quezon City.

Initially, Police Corporal Sherwin Rebot and Police Corporal Harold Mendoza claimed Police Corporal Higinio Wayan shot himself during a drinking spree in their driver’s rented place.

But further probe conducted by the Quezon City Police District - Crime Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), the driver identified as Lorenzo Lapay eventually confessed that Wayan was actually shot by Rebot

He said Rebot killed Wayan after losing an arm wrestling match to the victim.

In a statement, Eleazar said Rebot was guilty of grave misconduct (murder), violation of Presidential Decree 1829 (obstruction of justice), simple irregularity in the performance of duty (loafing), less grave neglect of duty (drinking while on duty) and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Meanwhile, Mendoza was found guilty of less grave neglect of duty (drinking while on duty), simple irregularity in the performance of duty (loafing) and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

The paraffin test on Wayan’s body yielded negative results for gunpowder nitrate, which means he had not fired a gun.

Eleazar said the dismissal of the two cops showed that the PNP will hold rogue cops accountable. “May this serve as a warning to all police officers that I will not let this kind of incident pass.”

“Dahil lang sa pagsuway sa patakaran na bawal uminom habang naka-duty, humantong ito sa pagpatay ng inyong kabaro. Walang puwang sa PNP ang mga utak kriminal,”Eleazar said.

(Due to violating the prohibition of drinking while on duty, this led to the killing of their colleague. Criminal minds have no place in the PNP.)

Complaints for murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition were filed against Rebot, while murder by conspiracy and obstruction of justice were filed against Mendoza. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News