Dismissal proceedings are now ongoing against more than half of the 287 erring Metro Manila policemen who defied the order for them to be deployed in Basilan.
Chief Insp. Kimberly Molitas, spokesperson of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said the start of the dismissal procedures was ordered by the top police leadership after the errant lawmen were declared AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave).
“The order came from the NHQ (National Headquarters at Camp Crame). But it would be a long process because of the observance of the due process,” said Molitas.
As of now, the erring cops are expected to have received orders to explain why they defied a legitimate order and a notification for them to prepare for the administrative charges that call for dismissal if they are found guilty.
It was recalled that nearly 300 cops facing various administrative cases, ranging from violation of proper wearing of uniform to involvement in illegal drugs activities, were listed for Basilan assignment.
Of the number, only 53 surfaced when they were deployed in February to Basilan and almost all of those who snubbed the deployment did not report anymore since then.
“But there are a number of them who went to Basilan for deployment after the first batch,” said Molitas.
The NCRPO could not provide the exact number of those subjected to dismissal proceedings but said the estimate is more than half of the 287 policemen originally ordered for Basilan deployment.
Molitas was also quick to emphasize that policemen facing dismissal could not claim that they are being treated unfairly as the matter was thoroughly explained to them before the deployment.
Most of the policemen ordered to be deployed in Basilan were met by both Director General Ronald dela Rosa at Camp Crame and President Duterte at the Malacanang Palace.
Interior Secretary Mike Sueno said the erring cops who defied the Basilan deployment would be hunted down if they join illegal drugs syndicate. (AARON B. RECUENCO)