2 ‘narco-generals’ sued by Napolcom

MANIAL -- Two of the five police officers tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte as “narcogenerals” were formally charged with administrative cases, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said Wednesday.

Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rogelio Casurao said charges of serious neglect of duty, serious irregularities in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer were filed against former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Joel Pagdilao and former Quezon City Police District (QCPD) chief Edgardo Tinio before the Napolcom’s en banc.

He said charges were based on circumstantial and direct evidence gathered in the investigation.

“Documentary evidence will not lie also. We believe evidences against them are strong enough to stand,” he said.

However, he said there are no evidences that directly link the two officials to illegal drug activities.

“It does not have to be actual participation. It is enough that under your watch things are happening less than right,” said Casurao.

The official said they are already coordinating with the Anti-Money Laundering Council for the conduct of financial investigation on the police officials as part of their lifestyle check.

Casurao said the assets of the police officials stated on their Statement of Assets and Liabilities Net Worth will be compared to what they have now.

“Lifestyle check. It’s a matter of mathematics lang. Saan ka kumuha nito? Every statement that you give, you have to have supporting documents,” he said.

Casurao said Pagdilao and Tinio may be dismissed or suspended if they are found guilty on the charges against them.

Other top officials named by Duterte were Director Bernardo Diaz, retired Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo, and Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot.

Meanwhile, Local Government Secretary Mike Sueno said they are still building the cases against Diaz, while Garbo and Loot are already out of their jurisdiction.