PNP moves to dismiss cop nabbed in gunrunning bust
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has initiated summary dismissal proceedings against a police sergeant arrested alongside a former soldier in an alleged gunrunning operation in Villasis, Pangasinan.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Wednesday, 14 October, that he ordered administrative proceedings against Police Chief Master Sgt. Rogelio Ordonio, 52, assigned to the Cuyapo Municipal Police Station in Nueva Ecija.
Ordonio was arrested with former Philippine Army member Edwin Estonilo, 41, during a firearms buy-bust operation in Barangay Puelay on Tuesday.
“I will not allow the wrongdoings of the few to taint the integrity and professionalism of the entire police organization. This successful operation should serve as a stern warning that we will be swift in running after erring policemen who are in cahoots with criminal elements that they are supposed to put in jail,” Nartatez said.
According to the PNP, operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and local police arranged to purchase firearms from the suspects before conducting the arrests.
Authorities recovered a Bushmaster 5.56mm rifle, an Armscor .45-caliber pistol, ammunition, magazines and marked money used in the operation.
Police also confiscated Ordonio's PNP-issued Glock 17 pistol, along with ammunition and a holster.
The suspects were brought to the CIDG office and placed under police custody.
Authorities are preparing criminal charges against both men for alleged violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Meanwhile, Ordonio faces separate administrative proceedings that could result in dismissal from police service.
Nartatez said the proceedings would be expedited without compromising due process.
“I commend all our personnel who took part in this operation who worked hard to identify and eventually arrest these people. This is proof that the PNP itself does not tolerate the illegal activities of its own personnel,” he added.
The PNP chief warned personnel against collaborating with criminal groups, stressing that police officers involved in illegal activities would face disciplinary and criminal action.