MANILA -- The National Police Commission has sought clearance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to begin the summary dismissal proceedings against two high-ranking cops in connection with alleged irregularities in a police raid on a condominium unit in Parañaque City last September.

 Napolcom Vice Chairperson Alberto Bernardo told the House Committee on Public Order and Safety on Monday that their recommendation on former Southern Police District Chief Police BGen. Roderick Mariano and former SPD comptroller Police Col. Charlie Cabradilla was sent to the Office of the President last January.

 “We earnestly recommended to the Office of the President the grant of authority to proceed with the summary dismissal proceedings against the two respondents,” Bernardo said.

 “There is still no reply from the Office of the President… We trust that this is being evaluated by the Office of the President,” he added.

Ten policemen involved in the raid were dismissed from service last month by the National Capital Region Police Office.

 The House panel’s inquiry stemmed from House Resolution 1471 filed by Antipolo City 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop, which cited information that four Chinese nationals were allegedly unlawfully arrested by police in Paranaque City last September, and that P2 million was allegedly requested per arrested Chinese national to “settle” the case. Questions were also raised over the delayed reporting of the P27-million cash recovered from the raid.

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda told the committee that criminal cases have been filed against the cops involved in the operation.

“On February 7, we sent a memo directing the CIDG Director to conduct investigation and coordinate with the private complainant to assist them in filing the criminal case for robbery against the PNP personnel involved. On February 16, per coordination with the RIDMD of NCRPO, a case referral was already forwarded and received by the Ombudsman,” he said.

The House panel lifted the contempt order against eight policemen, as it wrapped up its investigation on Monday. 

Two House leaders concluded that police procedures were violated in the Paranaque raid, and urged the PNP to strictly implement the policy on wearing body cameras during police operations.

“The laws that govern these procedures of the police are strong, but unfortunately it was violated by the same people we have trusted to protect and serve the Filipino community,” Committee Chairperson and Santa Rosa City Representative Dan Fernandez said.

“This committee did its job… Wala namang problema sa batas, so there’s nothing to tinker in aid of legislation… Ang problema lang talaga ‘yung tao... We have all the laws, we have all the precautions in place. Unfortunately, may mga taong nasa otoridad na loko-loko,” Deputy Majority Leader and ACT CIS Party List Representative Erwin Tulfo added.

PNP records show that from January 1 to February 19 this year, 139 cops in the country were dismissed after facing administrative cases. This figure is part of the 7,420 dismissed police personnel from July 1, 2016 to February 19, 2024.

2 cops cited in contempt by House panel probing Parañaque raid

10 cops in botched Parañaque raid dismissed from service