29 policemen suspended over QC 'shootout'

MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-nine policemen, including officials, were suspended in connection with the alleged rubout of three suspected carjackers in Quezon City last week, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) announced Monday. Napolcom chairman and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said those suspended for 90 days were from the Quezon City Police Anti-Carnapping Unit and National Capital Region Highway Patrol Group. He said they arrived at the decision after the Napolcom Inspection Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMS) found several violations in Police Operational Procedure (POP) on the part of the policemen involved in the operation. “The commission en banc found 'strong evidence of culpability' on the part of the lawmen for grave misconduct and violations of the rules of engagement, or the police operational procedures," he said, citing the six-page resolution of the Commission. Those suspended were Inspector Angelo Nicolas, SPO1 Frederick Torres, PO3 Honey Besas, PO3 Glicerio Manacpo, PO2 Eugene Marines, PO2 Randy Barrameda, PO1 Ranmond Escober and PO1 Freddy Suliva, all from the Quezon City police’s Anti-Carnapping Unit. Also suspended were Senior Supt. Fortunato Guererro, Chief Insp. Allan Rubi Macapagal, Chief Insp.James Ramos, Chief Insp Henry Cerdon, Chief Insp Francis Bunag, Insp. Rogelio Acosta, SPO4 Gregorio Aquino, SPO2 Wilson Prion, SPO1 Eliseo Dannug, PO3 Ireneo Emerson Reyes, PO3 Allan Josepth Bonngat, PO3 Joel Sabalvaro, PO3 Julius Arcalas, PO3 Eduardo Medenilla, PO3 Erwin Rubrico, PO2 Catherine Guerrero, PO2 Arlene Driz, PO1 Eugene Morales, PO1 Virgilio Sunga, PO1 Jessie Olpindo and PO1 Avelino Nunez of the National Capital Region Highway Patrol Group. Puno said the policemen were suspended for not wearing the proper police uniform during the operation, for not showing sufficient warnings and efforts to persuade the suspects to come out of the car, for using excessive force, and for not securing the site prior to the operation. Puno said the alleged violations committed by the police operatives in the shootout constituted grave offenses that have punishments of up to dismissal from the police service. National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa, who is also part of Napolcom, said additional charges may be filed against the policemen depending on new evidence that would come out during the Napolcom and PNP investigations. "We're still looking into some other variables here, especially what caused these lapses," Verzosa said. - GMANews.TV