PNP-IAS chief suspension implemented

The Philippine National Police has implemented the six-month suspension imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman on the chief of its Internal Affairs Service slapped with a sexual harassment case.

In the order dated 1 December 2023 but was only released on Monday, the PNP's Directorate for Personnel and Records Management said IAS Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo is suspended from 1 December 2023 to 14 February 2024.

"Considering that Atty. Triambulo is retiring from the service on 15 February 2024, the remaining 106 days from 15 February 2024 to 30 May 2024 is converted into fine and may be deducted from the retirement benefits, accrued leave credits or any receivable from the PNP," said the order.

To recall, Triambulo was accused of sexual harassment and violation of Safe Spaces Act by IAS employee Genevieve Lipana, filed before the Ombudsman on 5 September 2022.

She accused Triambulo of transferring her to different units not related to her position as human resource management officer and for making inappropriate comments and offers.

In a suspension order dated 21 November, Ombudsman Samuel Martires found Triambulo guilty of the administrative offenses of grave misconduct and gross incompetence but dismissed the criminal aspect of the complaint, which included allegations of falsification of public documents.

The IAS serves as the PNP's institutional watchdog in charge of disciplining, monitoring and investigating, and adjudicating administrative cases of erring PNP personnel.