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MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Eastern Police District (EPD) Director Brig. Gen. Villamor Tuliao was relieved from his post after alleged irregularities in the arrest of two Chinese nationals by one of his units, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced.
鈥淭his is no longer just about rogue officers. It is a failure of leadership. When discipline collapses, it begins at the top. Leaders will be held to the highest standards of accountability,鈥� PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said in a statement on Saturday.
Marbil added that he ordered the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to conduct an investigation, stressing that administrative and criminal cases will be filed against officers proven to be involved.
鈥淭hose involved must be summarily dismissed from the service and permanently disqualified from holding any position in government. If the director is found liable under the principle of command responsibility, he will never be trusted with any position of leadership again,鈥� he said.
Alleged irregularities
According to the police, the incident took place last Wednesday, when EPD District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) personnel arrested two Chinese individuals in Las Pi帽as City through a warrant for alleged violations of firearms regulations.
A police investigation report said the operatives carted away millions in cash in local and foreign currencies, luxury bags, watches, jewelry and smartphones, with the DSOU personnel claiming it was part of a bribe by the Chinese individuals.
The report, however, added that operatives failed to wear body-worn cameras and provide a sketch or spot report as of Thursday morning.
The operatives also allegedly did not coordinate with the Las Pi帽as City police nor did they inform or have the approval of the EPD district director.
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NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin on Friday said that all 31 personnel of the EPD DSOU were relieved, while a special order from Tuliao placed eight of the relieved personnel under restrictive custody.
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