Chief of Marantao, Lanao Sur police relieved from post — PNP OIC Gamboa

The chief of the Marantao Police in Lanao del Sur was relieved from his post after some of his men were caught during a buy-bust operation in Parang, Maguindanao last week, according to the Philippine National Police on Monday.

At a press conference, PNP officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa said Police Captain Sainodin Benasing, chief of Marantao police, would also undergo investigation after his men Police Master Sergeant Monger Nasar Aradais, Police Staff Sergeant Fahmi Bangon Como and Patrolman Sandiali Magundacan Manalo were arrested in an anti-illegal drugs operation.

"I would like to emphasize that the PNP internal cleansing program that we are implementing will be swift, decisive and uncompromising, especially against personnel involved in illegal drugs," Gamboa said.

Gamboa said he also instructed Police Brigadier General Marni Marcos, chief of the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, to initiate summary dismissal proceedings within 15 days against the three arrested cops.

Seized from the suspects during the operation were one big plastic sachet containing more or less 50 grams of suspected shabu and short firearms. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News