Two members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) were arrested for causing alarm and scandal in Ayala-Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has announced.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. identified the suspects as P/Cpl. George Rojo Mabuti and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez.
Nartatez said these SAF personnel were found providing escort security service to a Chinese national involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO).
Members of the Ayala-Alabang Police Substation 5 responded to a call from the village security guard, who was conducting a routine patrol in the village and witnessed a commotion involving the two police officers around 3:15 pm on Saturday, May 18.
Investigation also revealed that Mabuti fled the scene and sought refuge in one of the houses in the village, causing panic and alarm among the residents.
The responding policemen arrested and brought the two SAF officers to the Muntinlupa City Police Station.
Investigators discovered that the two SAF personnel were based in Mindanao. Mabuti is assigned to the 52nd Special Action Company Zamboanga, while Valdez is detailed at the 55th Special Action Company also in Zamboanga.
Nartatez said the “SAF officers were involved in moonlighting activities by providing unauthorized VIP security to an alleged POGO personality. Based on their testimony, they are not carrying out their official duties with their respective units.”
The suspects are now detained at the Muntinlupa City Police Station and will be charged with alarm and scandal before the city prosecutor’s office.
“In addition, the personnel involved will be facing administrative charges for neglect of duty and misconduct for moonlighting and providing unauthorized VIP security,” said Nartatez.
The NCRPO chief assured that the personnel involved will be dealt with accordingly.
“We are committed to disclosing full transparency in this matter. We ensure that there will be no cover-up of any details, and there will be no attempts to conceal the facts against these erring personnel,” he said.
