NCRPO commanders probed for cops’ lapses, violations now 28

The number of police commanders in Metro Manila under investigation for possible lapses and violations committed by their subordinates is now 28, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Tuesday after its earlier stated tally of 14.

According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion on Wednesday, the 28 police commanders range in rank from captain to major, and hail from five different NCR police stations.

The probe came after NCRPO chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin directed surprise inspections in all five police districts in Metro Manila on May 17 and 18.

According to the NCRPO, the following lapses and violations were observed:

• unmanned outposts and police assistance desks
• abandoned posts
• single postings in violation of deployment protocols
• use of cellular phones while on duty, including playing games
• lack of visible police presence in high-traffic public areas

“As of this hour, may positive po na siyam po na [officials] subject for relief. Hinihintay na lang po natin yung Comelec clearance po… The rest, maari pa pong madagdagan po yung mare-relieve based po doon sa outcome po ng investigation po,” Aberin said.

(As of this hour, we are positive that we have nine [officials] subject for relief. We are just waiting for the Comelec clearance… For the rest, the number of reliefs may still increase depending on the outcome of the investigation.)

NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo also told GMA Integrated News that the explanations given by the concerned police officials are still being validated.

Those who will be proven guilty of lapses and violations will be removed from their posts following the due process of law, the NCRPO said.

"We must step up with our crime prevention and solution efforts. I expect police commanders to be present, aware, and accountable for their men. Discipline begins at the top," Aberin said.

"Let this serve as a warning and an example—complacency and failure of supervision will be met with the heaviest penalties. Discipline begins at the top, and accountability must be absolute," he added.

NCR Police Office said that they will continue to conduct surprise inspections to ensure no police officials disregard their duties.

 “Sa ating mga kapulisan sa NCRPO,  this serves as a warning… Sa pag-discharge po natin ng ating mga tungkulin, dapat maging professional po tayo.  Palagi po tayong gumawa ng tama,” Aberin shared.

(For NCRPO police officers, this serves as a warning… As we discharge our responsibilities, we must be professional. We must always do what is right.)

Meanwhile, PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said that police officers with “finished careers” were often assigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Units (PHAU), where they place officials with floating status.

“Pag nilagay ka namin, lagay ka sa PHAU,  you just wait for your retirement… You're out. Hindi po kami rehabilitation center,” he said.

(If we place you in PHAU, you just wait for your retirement… You're out. We are not a rehabilitation center.) — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News