Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil ordered the dismissal of two police officers who were allegedly “moonlighting” as bodyguards of Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.
Marbil said the two police officers were seen in the CCTV footage of the alleged altercation involving the lawmaker at a bar in Davao City.
He added that the police officers had already surrendered their firearms and IDs, but went absent without leave.
According to Marbil, aside from the two police officers, their commanders would also be facing possible sanction for failing to properly account for their personnel.
“Sabi ko nga maliban kayo sa madidischarge ‘yung 2 pulis namin for moonlighting kasama ‘yung commanders nila. Hindi mangyayari ang moonlighting kung hindi dadayain ang report nila. Once we file dishonesty, that’s perpetual disqualification from any government post. So ito ‘yung babala sa mga pulis natin. Make sure to take your job religiously,” he said.
He said that the two policemen, a Police Executive Master Sergeant and a Police Staff Sergeant, were assigned to two police stations in Davao City.
Marbil stressed that the two were unauthorized to escort the lawmaker.
“They are not authorized (as police security), they were moonlighting (as bodyguards),” Marbil said.
He also confirmed the ongoing investigation into their personnel over unauthorized police security deployment.
In addition to the two officers, Marbil said the video also showed two other bodyguards, which he said belong to the AFP’s Philippine Air Force.
