Unruly cop faces dismissal from service
Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao Jr., police regional director, has moved for the filing of criminal and administrative charges against a neophyte policeman who went unruly after getting drunk.
Pagdilao announced yesterday that criminal charges of illegal possession of firearm, direct assault, alarm and scandal, and resisting arrest have been filed against Police Officer 1 Joebert Castillo of the Estancia Police Station.
He also directed the Regional Internal Affair Service to commence a pre-charge investigation so that administrative case can be filed against the erring policeman.
“If at the end of these summary dismissal proceedings, it would be found out that there is a ground for his separation from the service, it would depend on the recommendation of the IAS, whether or not it is proper and supported by evidence to separate him from the Philippine National Police,” he added.
While waiting for the start of the summary hearing, Pagdilao said that he might order the relief of Castillo from Estancia Police Station and assign him to the Police Regional 6 headquarters.
This will allow him to have a chance to explain himself to the investigating officers, he said.
Castillo found himself in hot water after assaulting a police official shortly after midnight of August 5 at Veterans’ Village, City Proper, Iloilo City.
Castillo, 29, of Zerrudo St., Brgy. Sto. Rosario-Duran, City Proper, with some friends, created annoyance as they were drinking liquor.
Insp. Terence Paul Sta. Ana, deputy group director of the Iloilo City Public Safety Mobile Company, was also in the area and tried to pacify Castillo.
But as the police official tried to settle Castillo down, the suspect allegedly questioned his authority and even assaulted him.
The suspect also mentioned Ajuy Police Station chief, Senior Insp. Artillero. He even claimed to be an ally of Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. and Estancia Mayor Rene Cordero.
Pagdilao said the incident was very unfortunate. “There are still from among our ranks who are capable of doing these actions despite our continuous efforts to rid our ranks of misfits and scalawags,” he said.
“Our Integrated Transformation Program is a program that we are seriously implementing here in Region 6. That’s why, as a commander myself, it pains me to see that there are people who are still doing this,” he added.
