A police officer assigned to the Laguna Police Provincial Office is set to be dismissed after his involvement in an armed robbery in Taguig City in June 2024, according to the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
IAS chief Inspector General Brigido Dulay confirmed on Thursday that he has submitted a recommendation to PNP chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil for the officer’s dismissal. The patrolman, whose identity remains undisclosed, was found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Dulay emphasized that the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy for criminal behavior within the police force, reiterating the IAS’ commitment to ensuring accountability among law enforcers, whether on or off duty.
Reports indicate that the patrolman, along with two civilian accomplices, carried out a robbery at gunpoint in Western Bicutan, Taguig City. The suspects, riding two motorcycles, targeted a civilian, forcibly seizing cash and a mobile phone.
The victim’s wife, who witnessed the incident, immediately alerted a passing barangay patrol unit, prompting a swift police response. Officers from the District Mobile Force Battalion assigned to the Taguig Sub-Station pursued the fleeing suspects, leading to their apprehension and the recovery of the stolen items.
During verification, authorities discovered that one of the arrested individuals was an active-duty police officer who had used his PNP-issued firearm to commit the crime.
“The IAS is resolute in removing rogue officers from the force. Criminal acts like these severely undermine public trust in the PNP,” Dulay stated.
He also commended the officers responsible for the swift arrest, highlighting their dedication to justice. “Their courage and commitment demonstrate that the PNP remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law—even when it means apprehending one of their own.”
Dulay further stressed the importance of proactive policing and vigilance in identifying and addressing misconduct, particularly when officers abuse their authority while off duty.
As the institutional watchdog of the PNP, the IAS is responsible for investigating police misconduct, enforcing internal discipline, and ensuring that officers uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.