The National Police?s internal probe has found probable cause to file administrative charges against 17 members of the Highway Patrol Group involved in the Dec. 5, 2008 shootout in Para?aque City.

The encounter resulted in the death of 16 persons, including six civilians.

The Internal Affairs Service recommended the filing of grave misconduct and serious neglect of duty against eight officers consisting of Chief Insp. Joel Mendoza, Chief Insp. Lawrence Cajipe, Insp. Gerardo Balacutan, PO3 Joselito Mamarao Jr., PO3 Fernando Rey Gapuz, PO3 Eduardo Blanco, PO3 Edwin Santos and PO1 Josil Rey Lucena.

Nine other policemen facing summary dismissal proceedings for alleged dishonesty are Insp. Doroteo Tolentino, SPO1 Jayson Galimba, PO3 Arvin Ramos, PO3 Edwin Cuadra, PO3 Jesus Pacual, PO2 John Idio, PO2 Fidel Quirejero, PO2 Wilfredo Reyes and PO1 Elybeer Cayaban.

Cayaban was found to have misled probers about his actual position during the shootout about 100 meters away from the Sucat exit of the South Luzon Expressway.

Lawyer Neofito Perilla, prosecution division chief, said the penalty for the offenses could range from suspension, demotion or dismissal from the service defending on the gravity of their offenses.

The Highway Patrol, special Action Force and Special Action Force interdicted robbers belonging to a syndicate.

In the exchange of fire, 16 people were killed and five others were wounded in the running gun battle.

The fatalities consisted of nine suspects, five civilians and a Special Action Force officer. Romie A. Evangelista