Duterte dismisses 2 police generals he linked to drugs early in 2016

By Rosemarie A. Zamora

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has dismissed two police generals for serious neglect of duty leading to the proliferation of drugs in their areas of jurisdiction.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto C. Abella named P/Chief Supt. Edgardo G. Tinio and Police Director Joel D. Pagdilao as the two presidential appointees fired by Mr. Duterte over alleged drug links.

“A decision signed by the Executive Secretary last Thursday has found Police Chief Superintendent Edgardo G. Tinio and Police Director Joel Pagdilao of the Philippine National Police administratively liable for serious neglect of duty and serious irregularity in the performance of duty, and have been duly dismissed,” Mr. Abella disclosed in his press briefing on Monday, Oct. 9.

“Evidence shows that both generals deliberately refused, without cause, to perform their duties as police officers resulting in the proliferation of the drug trade in their areas of jurisdiction. Thus, the President’s decision,” he added.

Mr. Tinio was appointed to Mr. Pagdilao’s position as Quezon City police director after the latter was appointed Metro Manila police chief in 2015, a year before Mr. Duterte was elected president.

Messrs. Pagdilao and Tinio were among the police generals whom Mr. Duterte last year openly linked to the drug trade, barely a week into the start of his presidency.

Last Friday, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director-General Ronald M. dela Rosa ordered the dismissal of Supt. Lito Cabamongan of the PNP Crime Laboratory who was caught in March in a shabu session in Las Piñas City.

“The dismissal from service of Police Superintendent Lito Cabamongan, head of the Alabang satellite office of the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory, highlights the efforts to rid the ranks of misfits and scalawags that destroy the integrity of the entire organization,” Mr. Abella said.

“The removal of a high-ranking officer serves as a strong reminder to the uniformed personnel to honor and to uphold always their sworn duty to serve and protect our people and our country,” he added.