Cop faces admin case, dismissal for robbery

The police officer who allegedly robbed the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative in Toledo City will face administrative charges and may be dismissed from service, the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO 7) said in a press conference yesterday.

The PRO-7 leadership condemned the incident, saying it does not tolerate policemen involved in illegal activities.

“It's automatic. Shall we say naa na sa among policy once you commit a criminal offense there is a corresponding administrative investigation and he will also be facing the administrative investigation and if proven by evidence, of course, we have the evidence, that could lead to his dismissal from service,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of the PRO7.

“Ang balaod gyud ang mopatigbabaw niya kung makasa ka, then you will be arrested. And not only that, you will be facing administrative charges,” Pelare added.

On January 12, 2024, Patrolman Jaymar Exequiel allegedly robbed the establishment and took away money amounting to P200,000 and a cellphone.

He was identified through CCTV footage.

Exequiel was a member of Toledo City Police Station and police investigation revealed that he was addicted to online gambling.

He was also part of the augmentation team sent to Cebu City to help secure the Fiesta Señor.

Pelare, however, said that the incident was an isolated case, citing that the suspect had personal problems that led him to commit the crime.

He explained that there would be no special treatment in this case and that the police would remain professional in handling cases, especially if they involved police officers.

“But I assure you that your Police Regional Office 7 is a very professional organization. Magpabilin ta’ng maghimo sa atong trabaho sa usa ka professional nga paagi,” Pelare said.

Pelare also admitted that it is a challenge for them to monitor online gambling and that they are closely monitoring police officers who are involved in illegal activities.