'Scandalous' policemen sacked
LINGAYEN - Five policemen involved in the so-called Mangaldan Police Station scandal last July 18 were relieved from their posts.
But their names are still being withheld pending the result of the investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police's (PNP) Provincial Internal Affairs Office (PIAS).
The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office's (PPPO) Investigation Branch is also conducting a parallel investigation on the incident.
Rey Tang, chief of the PNP-PIAS, said part of the investigation is to determine the number of personnel involved and the gravity of the involvement of each policeman.
The investigation was triggered by a report of a concerned citizen at Camp Crame's PNP Text 2920 about an alleged lewd show that transpired at the detention cell of Mangaldan Police Station.
Tang said they are not following any time frame to conclude their investigation.
"Our investigation will be in accordance with the constitution, with the procedural process of law. It should be legal and proper," he explained.
The five policemen are being investigated for an administrative offense classified as grave misconduct, or conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Accordingly, the minimum penalty for such offense is 90 days suspension while the maximum is dismissal from the service.
Last Monday, Police Region 1 Director Orlando Mabutas ordered Pangasinan Police Provincial Director Percival Barba to relieve the suspects.
In an interview Wednesday, Barba he has already relieved four policemen prior to the visit of the regional director. (Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre)