Four cops recommended for dismissal over Antipolo drug raid also linked to Pampanga drug sting in 2013

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now reviewing the case of seven policemen, who were earlier recommended for dismissal over their involvement in a questionable drug raid in Antipolo City last May, after it was uncovered that the recommendation remains unimplemented and that four of them were among the 13 policemen implicated in the anomalous drug operation in Pampanga in 2013.

Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, PNP officer-in-charge, vowed to review the case of the seven policemen after getting authority from the National Police Commission

(Napolcom).

“I can now order a review of that case because I was already given authority of the National Police Commission. Rest assured that this will be looked into,” said Gamboa.

The four policemen were identified as Lt. Joven de Guzman, Master Sgt. Donald Roque, Master Sgt. Rommel Vital, and Corporal Romeo Guerrero.

It was recalled that after the 13 policemen, led by Maj. Rodney Baloyo, were deployed in Mindanao as punishment for the drug recycling and allegedly earning 160 million from a drug lord, they were pulled out and assigned to various posts in Luzon.

Baloyo was given a juicy post in Tagaytay as deputy city police director, while De Guzman was given a post as precinct commander in Antipolo City.

The case in Antipolo City stemmed from an operation against an alleged drug pusher which was allegedly intercepted in a checkpoint. The driver of the vehicle, out of fear, sped off with the car and sought refuge in their house.

The cops gave chase and stormed the house and allegedly looted it.

Records from the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) revealed that four counts of grave misconduct were filed against the seven policemen. All of them were recommended for dismissal.

But up to now, the recommendation of IAS that the seven cops be dismissed is yet to be acted upon.

Gamboa vowed to look into the case and also assured swift action.

The 13 policemen are currently under restricted custody following the Senate investigation which forced then national police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde to quit his post and go on leave until his retirement on November 8.