Eleven police officers are facing dismissal for moonlighting as security escorts for executives of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The Philippine National Police’s Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) recommended the dismissal of the officers, including one ranked as a lieutenant colonel.
PNP-IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay reported that the case stemmed from a physical altercation between two members of the Special Action Force (SAF) inside an exclusive subdivision in Ayala, Alabang, last May.
The incident, initially reported as a disturbance by security guards, led to an in-depth investigation revealing that the altercation involved police commandos.
Further investigation uncovered that the two clashing SAF commandos were serving as security escorts for a Chinese national linked to a POGO operation.
It was later revealed that the commandos were providing these security services without the necessary approval from the Police Security and Protection Group, which constitutes a violation of PNP policies.
The two SAF personnel were arrested in Muntinlupa and dismissed due to moonlighting, severe irregularities in duty performance, and unauthorized provision of protective services to private individuals.
The officers were assigned to the 52nd and 55th Special Action Companies in Zamboanga.
During the hearing for the two officers, evidence emerged of collusion among SAF officials in Zamboanga City to cover up the illegal police activities in Ayala, Alabang.