MANILA, Philippines: At least 131 policemen have been dismissed from service from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14, 2024 as part of the ongoing "cleansing" of the Philippine National Police (PNP), its spokesman said.
In a press briefing Thursday evening, Col. Jean Fajardo said 62 of the sacked policemen were involved in Absence Without Leave (AWOL) cases, while the rest were separated from the service for "grave offenses that include robbery, illegal drugs, obstruction of justice and conduct unbecoming a police officer."
Meanwhile, Fajardo said the PNP will be providing legal assistance to seven policemen who surrendered to the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group after a Rizal court ordered their arrest for two counts of murder.
The cases were in connection with the killing of two suspected New People's Army rebels in Rodriguez, Rizal in 2010. Fajardo said police claimed that the two died in a "legitimate operation" conducted by the PNP Special Action Force.
Fajardo said the PNP has been providing legal assistance to its personnel facing service-related cases in court.
"Since this is related to the performance of their duties, the PNP will provide them legal assistance," said Fajardo.
Fajardo said the seven policemen, including three captains, have expressed their readiness to face the murder charges lodged against them.
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