• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A police lieutenant assigned at the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is in hot water for failing to take appropriate action during a commission of crime that occurred in his presence in Barangay Punong, Lapuz, Iloilo City.
The incident can be seen in a viral closed circuit television footage circulating online.
The concerned police personnel, whose identity is being withheld by the PRO-NIR, has been relieved from his position at the Regional Logistics and Research Development Division, and reassigned to the Regional Personnel Holding Administrative Unit pending investigation, regional police spokesperson PLt. Col. Joem Malong said on Monday (Aug. 4).
Upon review and verification of the incident, Malong said immediate actions were taken to uphold accountability and reinforce the PRO-NIR’s commitment to public trust and professional conduct.
The police officer was reported to be in the company of two other persons, who were allegedly involved in a bottle throwing incident after a drinking spree on Aug. 2.
Malong said he was ordered to surrender his service firearm to ensure that proper precautionary measures are in place while the case is being thoroughly examined.
She added that a formal investigation was initiated by the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, and appropriate disciplinary mechanisms are being pursued in accordance with Philippine National Police rules and regulations.
“We do not condone any act of neglect or failure to perform duty, especially in situations where police presence is critical to public safety,” Malong said. “We assure the public that this matter is being addressed with urgency, transparency, and fairness.” | GB
