By Romie A. Evangelista

The National Capital Regional Police Office has dismissed 74 police officers, demoted 15, suspended 57 and reprimanded two, officials announced yesterday.

The sanctions were due to administrative cases covering violations of law, absence without official leave and negligence in the performance of duty.

Director Leopoldo Bataoil, NCRPO chief, said he would not think twice in firing from service all misfits under his command.

“Discipline, law and order always prevail in the NCRPO. Aberrant behaviors have no place in the PNP organization and violations are dealt with strictly based on exacting requirements of applicable laws,” he said.

“They include violation of Republic Act 6713 [Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees], the Police Operational Procedures, and other disciplinary rules and regulations.”

Under the Integrated Transformation Program, Bataoil said the goal of a much-needed change cannot be stalled.

“As public servants, the demands of accountability is much more pronounced as policemen bear arms and any deviant conduct gravely affect civilian rights and the overall image of the organization as a whole,” he said.

Bataoil cited the case of an inspector from the Northern Police District who was dismissed for violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act and Illegal Possession of Firearms, and a superintendent with his cohort who were removed from the service for robbery and arbitrary detention.

“I assure the public that NCRPO personnel that are no longer fit to be in service shall be removed while those that could be reformed shall be brought for retraining.”

Bataoil said the administrative disciplinary mechanism has been upgraded over the years to minimize corruption, to correct aberrant behaviors, and to instill strong sense of discipline among policemen.

Under the law, citizens may also file complaints against policemen before the People’s Law Enforcement Board, the Office of the City/Municipal Mayor, and the National Police Commission not to mention the Office of the Ombudsman and the Commission of Human Rights.