DILG: QC cop Abong dismissed from service due to 2022 hit-and-run incident

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Thursday it has dismissed from service Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Julio Abong in connection with his hit-and-run case in 2022.

“The DILG today issued a Decision denying the Appeal filed before us by Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Julio U. Abong,” DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said in a statement.

“This is in relation to his involvement in the hit-and-run and drunk driving incident on August 6, 2022 along Anonas Street, Quezon City that killed tricycle driver Joel Larosa and injured a passenger,” he added.

In line with this, Abalos said he instructed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. to  issue an implementing order for the dismissal of Abong.

“He can no longer delay his dismissal from service as recommended by the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) Fourth Division in its Decision dated March 21, 2023,” the DILG chief said.

“Ubos na ang baraha niya at hindi na niya mapapaikot pa ang batas (His cards have run out and he cannot and can no longer outsmart the law)!”

Following the PLEB decision, Abong made his first appeal to the National Police Commission - Regional Appellate Board (RAB), which was denied. Then, the cop filed another appeal to the DILG.

Abalos said the department affirmed the decision of the RAB finding Abong guilty of three administrative charges classified as grave offense, which warrants a penalty of dismissal from service in the PNP.

Abong’s previous cases were dug up after he was arrested on November 26 for allegedly assaulting a waiter and firing a gun twice outside a bar in Barangay Laging Handa.

“[Abong] is a disgrace to his uniform and the police organization as he continues his rogue acts after being arrested for an allegedly unprovoked gun-firing incident outside a bar in Quezon City Last Sunday,” Abalos said.

“The DILG does not condone a law enforcer to be the one breaking the law himself,” he added.

According to Abalos, Abong’s appeal in his 2022 case lacks merit.

“The evidence points out to his guilt for grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer when he concealed his culpability in the said hit-and-run incident,” he said.

“Abong maliciously falsified evidence to put the blame on his driver Ronald Centino. However, substantial and circumstantial evidence is sufficient to refute Abong's alibi and defense of mistaken identity,” he added.

Furthermore, Abalos also pointed out that Abong’s supposed “admission to the PNP Health Services for treatment of his injuries immediately after the accident and where he was found by attending medical staff to be intoxicated”.—AOL, GMA Integrated News