QC cop Abong dismissed from service —PNP

Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Julio Abong, who was involved in an incident in a Quezon City restobar in November 2023, has been dismissed from service, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

"As of this date, na-serve na sa kaniya iyong dismissal order (the dismissal order has been served to him). I already signed the dismissal order. It should be implemented," PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in a press conference in Camp Crame.

"Based on our record. Wala na siya (He is no longer with PNP)," he added.

The dismissal of Abong from the service became effective December 18, 2023, according to PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo.

Abong was arrested in November last year after allegedly assaulting a waiter and firing a gun twice outside a bar along Scout Rallos Street in Barangay Laging Handa.

Abong was reportedly drunk and had an argument with a fellow customer.

Tension also occurred at the QCPD-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit office in Camp Karingal after Abong tried to leave without the required clearance from the PNP.

Prosecutors have indicted Abong over the incident. He is facing charges including illegal discharge of firearms, violation of election gun ban, maltreatment, and direct assault upon an agent of person in authority. Total bail was set at P177,000.

Following this incident, Abong's previous cases were dug up, including his hit-and-run and drunk driving offenses on August 6, 2022, which killed tricycle driver Joel Larosa and injured a passenger.  —KBK, GMA Integrated News