PNP warns cops vs crime links amid Pangasinan arms bust

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. warned personnel Wednesday against colluding with criminal elements following the arrest of a police sergeant and a former soldier during a gun-running sting in Pangasinan province.

Nartatez ordered the immediate initiation of summary dismissal proceedings against Police Chief Master Sgt. Rogelio Ordonio, assigned to the Cuyapo Municipal Police Station in Nueva Ecija.

Nartatez vowed swift administrative action — which carries a maximum penalty of dismissal from the service — while maintaining due process.

“I will not allow the wrongdoings of the few to taint the integrity and professionalism of the entire police organization,” Nartatez said.

“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,” he added.

Administrative proceedings remain separate from criminal charges being prepared against Ordonio and his alleged accomplice, Edwin Estonilo, a former Philippine Army soldier.

The joint undercover operation, conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and local police, took place Tuesday afternoon in Barangay Puelay, Villasis, Pangasinan.