TWO cops were dismissed from their post for providing security to 22 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo) workers who claimed to be distributing relief goods in Cagayan.

Police Security Protection Group (PSPG) chief Colonel Allan Manibog identified the two policemen as Master Sergeants Harold Corpuz and Clifford Ventura.

Quoting Corpuz and Ventura, Manibog said the municipal mayor of Sta. Ana in Cagayan was reportedly aware of the relief operation.

Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, Joint Task Force Coronavirus Shield commander and Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy director for operations, said they violated the prohibition against large gatherings.

“Pero kung maraming mga workers o ibang tao, mali yun. Kaya nga violation yun (marami silang dalang tao) at ichi-check natin itong nag escort sa kanya kung saan galing ‘yung authority na yun (for them to provide security to the POGO workers),” he said.

“Lahat naman ng mga pagkakamali ay iniimbestigahan at pag napatunayan ay may corresponding sanctions, suspension o ang pinakamatindi ay dismissal pero depende nga sa kaso na yun,” he added.

The 22 workers, all Chinese nationals, and their police escorts traveled on March 26 from Manila to Cagayan in a convoy, which included two trailer trucks containing relief items.

The convoy was allowed to get past all the checkpoints, except in Barangay Casambalangan, Cagayan, because of the two police escorts.

Cagayan Police Director Ariel Quilang said the local task force on the coronavirus disease in the said town denied entry to the Pogo workers.

Only the leader of the group was allowed to enter the barangay, but he was also required to go on 14-day quarantine. The rest were asked to return to Manila. (SunStar Philippines)