Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said that he welcomes the decision of the Quezon City’s People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) that dismissed Lt.  Col Mark Julio Abong from police service, and likewise imposed suspension on three other personnel in relation to the death of a tricycle driver during a hit-and-run incident last Aug. 2022.

Azurin said the PNP does not tolerate misdoings among its ranks.

“As always, the PNP has been actively implementing internal cleansing programs to continuously cleanse its ranks of misfits. We support the ongoing proceedings in relation to this case and will respect whatever decision the appropriate disciplinary body will come up with until it reaches finality while also affording due process to those involved,” Azurin said in a statement.

He also said that the PNP had always expressed their commitment that it has zero tolerance on abuses if committed by any member of the organization.

Azurin said that PNP personnel are bound to protect the integrity of the organization by being circumspect in all their actions, within or even outside the bounds of its official duty as a police officer.

It will be recalled that on March 21, 2023, the decision over the hit-and-run incident that occurred along Anonas Road in Quezon City last August 6, 2022 was handed down.

The 19-page decision, saw the People’s Law Enforcement Board of Quezon City (PLEB-QC) removing Abong from the service and meted a six-month suspension on Col. Alexander Barredo, Cpl. Joan Vicente, and Senior M/Sgt. Jose Soriano while nine other lawmen were exonerated.

PLEB-QC executive officer, and lawyer Rafael Calinisan. the case was decided by the Board’s Fourth Division whose members were Councilor Ma. Aurora Marra Suntay, Barangay Chairman Tonito Calma, lawyer Colleen Calleja, citizen representative Ronnie Liang, and himself.

Catherine R. Cueto