Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Wednesday ordered the dismissal of two police officers allegedly moonlighting as bodyguards for Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte.
Speaking to reporters at Camp Crame during the activation of the Media Accreditation Center, Marbil said the two police officers from Davao and two Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel had been identified in CCTV footage linked to an alleged altercation involving Duterte at a Davao City bar.
Marbil said the officers surrendered their firearms and ID cards but later went absent without leave. Their commanders, he added, will also be dismissed for failing to properly account for their subordinates.
“Moonlighting wouldn’t happen if they didn’t falsify their reports. Expect their commanders to be discharged as well,’’ he said.
The police officers will face dishonesty charges, which carry a penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office. ‘‘This is a warning to our police officers: take your duties seriously,’’ Marbil stressed.
Representative Duterte, meanwhile, said he was still waiting for the authentication of the video circulating online and would withhold comment until he receives a copy of the formal complaint.
The Davao lawmaker faces charges of physical injuries and grave threats under Articles 265 and 282 of the Revised Penal Code, based on a complaint filed by a businessman with the Department of Justice. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon confirmed the filing.
