As part of internal cleansing, eight police officers and one non-uniformed worker at the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO-2) in Cagayan were dismissed from service. 

According to the leadership of PRO-2, seven officers violated grave misconduct and grave neglect of duty by being absent without official leave (AWOL). 

Some of them found opportunities abroad but failed to inform the Philippine National Police (PNP) properly.

“Nagfile-leave sila for travel abroad then nakahanap sila doon ng work sa pinuntahan nila, at hindi na sila bumalik, actually ‘yung AWOL, binibigyan sila ng notice,” PMAJ. Sharon Mallillin, Public Information Officer, PRO-2.

One officer was involved in unauthorized use of firearm while another was implicated in illegal drug use after testing positive during a random drug test.

Personnel of PRO-2 are made to undergo random drug tests every now and then. Those found selling or using illegal drugs will be investigated.

 “Mayroon tayong random drug testing most especially sa mga assigned sa ating mga enforcement unit natin. This is [in] partnership with [the] forensic unit,” Mallillin said.

PRO-2 said due process was observed until the dismissal order came out for the nine personnel. They cannot be reinstated.