DENR sues Puerto Princesa ex-police chief

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources ( DENR) has filed several criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against relieved Puerto Princesa police director Col. Marion Balonglong because of illegal arrest and maltreatment of eight DENR employees.

Balonglong is facing criminal charges of torture, unlawful arrest, slight physical injuries, obstruction of apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders, and graft and corruption.

The embattled police officer was also charged administratively for grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in violation of Republic Act 6317, or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.”

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu earlier called for a swift resolution of the case even as he expressed hope such an isolated incident would not affect the cordial relationship and collaborative partnership between the DENR and the Philippine National Police in enforcing environmental laws.