PNP chief Gamboa says at least 6,000 erring cops dismissed under his watch

At least 6,000 erring policemen have been dismissed from police service since Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa led the police force.

Speaking to reporters in Legazpi City, Albay, Gamboa explained that the increase in the number was due to his order to resolve all backlog cases when he assumed post as PNP officer-in-charge in October last year.

"Kung di ako magkamali, around 4,000? Hindi, probably umabot 'yun sa 6,000 because when I sat down as OIC, I found out na napakaraming backlog cases," Gamboa said.

"So sinabi ko, let's solve all those cases kaya pagdating ng December, maraming na-solved na case, that's why we are averaging at six [thousand] policemen," he added.

It was on October 14 when Gamboa was appointed PNP OIC after then-PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde stepped down ahead of his retirement over his alleged involvement in the "ninja cops" issue.

Gamboa formally assumed post as PNP chief on January 20, 2020.

Gamboa said those dismissed police officers had been involved in illegal drugs and other criminal activities as well as those who had gone AWOL or absence without leave. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News