Manila cop dismissed from service over death of QC traffic enforcer

The People’s Law Enforcement Board of Quezon City (PLEB) has dismissed from service a Manila policeman who allegedly killed a traffic enforcer in Quezon City on October 13, the local government said Tuesday.

“In its six-page decision, the PLEB QC removed [Police Lieutenant Felixberto Tiquil] from service stemming from grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer charges...,”  the city government’s Public Affairs and Information Services Department said in a statement.

These charges were filed by Charilyn Pagsibigan, common-law wife of late traffic enforcer Edgar Abad Follero, and Paul Timothy Delos Reyes, the person assisted by the victim during the incident.

PLEB executive officer Rafael Calinisan said the Board did not believe Tiquil's defense that he thought Follero and Delos Reyes were motorcycle thieves.

“This is a clear violation of the PNP Rules of Procedure,” he said.

“Further, Tiquil also claims to have chased the victims from Nagtahan, Manila up to Roosevelt, Quezon City. How can people pushing a defective motorcycle outrun a seasoned cop on a motorbike?  We are more than convinced that Tiquil was not being truthful in his narrative of what happened,” he added.

According to the Quezon City government, Follero was merely helping his friend, delivery rider Delos Reyes, when the latter's motorcycle broke down in Pandacan, Manila.

From Pandacan, Follero pushed Delos Reyes’ motorcycle. Upon arriving at Roosevelt in Quezon City, the two stopped to pick up Delos Reyes’ motorcycle fairing, which had fallen to the ground. 

It was there, the LGU said, that Tiquil, a member of the Manila Police District's Anti-Carnapping Unit, approached the two and shot Follero twice in the body.

Follero attempted to run towards the nearest police outpost but did not make it. Tiquil then pointed his gun towards Delos Reyes and forced him to the ground face down, the Quezon City government said.

A murder complaint has already been filed against Tiquil, the Quezon City Police District said.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said PLEB QC’s decision should serve as a warning to rogue cops that they will be held accountable for their actions.

“The resolution of this case is a triumph for justice. In less than 60 days from the filing of the complaint, the PLEB was able to resolve this matter with utmost impartiality and dispatch,” Belmonte said.

“The wheels of justice run fast here in Quezon City, without fear or favor.  I again commend the PLEB QC for their prompt action in helping out the ‘little one’ in need,” she added.

The PLEB is a "checks and balances" mechanism against erring policemen, established by virtue of Republic Act No. 8551.

Established in cities and municipalities, the PLEB is described in the law as "the central receiving entity for any citizen's complaint against the officers and members of the PNP [Philippine National Police]."

According to the DILG's operational guidelines on PLEBs, "The PLEB has the power to hear and adjudicate all citizen's complaints formally filed with, or referred to it, against any uniformed member of the PNP, and, if warranted, impose the corresponding penalty." These penalties include "withholding of privileges, restriction to specified limits, suspension or forfeiture of salary, or any combination thereof for a period exceeding thirty (30) days; or by dismissal," according to the law.

Unlike other cases filed with the regular courts, the PLEB decides each case summarily.

Section 43 (e) of RA No. 6975 states that "the decision of the PLEB shall become final and executory: Provided, That a decision involving demotion or dismissal from the service may be appealed by either party with the regional appellate board within ten (10) days from receipt of the copy of the decision." — BM, GMA Integrated News