The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday junked an appeal by a police official found guilty of administrative charges arising from a fatal road accident.
“We find that his Appeal is bereft of merit. The evidence points out to his guilt for grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer when he concealed his culpability in the said hit-and-run incident,” the DILG stated in its ruling.
The DILG also invoked a decision by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) handed down last Aug. 24 finding Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong “guilty of three administrative charges classified as grave offense warranting a penalty of dismissal from the service.”
The charges against Abong stemmed from his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run acceding on August 6, 2022 along Anonas St., Quezon City that left tricycle driver Joel Larosa dead and his passenger injured.
“We affirm the assailed Decision dated August 24, 2023 and Resolution dated September 22, 2023 of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Regional Appellate Board National Capital Region (RAB NCR) First Division finding Abong guilty of three administrative charges classified as grave offense warranting a penalty of dismissal from service in the Philippine National Police (PNP),” the DILG resolution read.
The ruling also stated that Abong maliciously falsified evidence to put the blame on his driver Ronald Centino.
However, the DILG ruled that substantial and circumstantial evidence is sufficient to refute Abong’s alibi and defense of mistaken identity.
The DILG also cited Abong’s admission at the PNP Health Services for treatment of his injuries immediately after the accident and where he was found by attending medical staff to be intoxicated with alcohol.
Abong could no longer delay his dismissal from service as recommended by the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) Fourth Division in a decision dated March 21, 2023.
The DILG also said Abong has “ran out of cards and he can’t bend the law anymore!”
“I therefore, direct PNP Chief, Police General Benjamin C. Acorda, Jr. to immediately issue an implementing order of the dismissal of Abong. He is a disgrace to his uniform and the police organization as he continues his rogue acts after being arrested for an allegedly unprovoked gun-firing incident outside a bar in Quezon City last Sunday,” Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a statement.
“The DILG does not condone a law enforcer to be the one breaking the law himself. May this serve as a stern warning to all police officers in the country that no one is above the law. Any police officer who abuses his authority will be held accountable and will not be immune from the law,” the statement added.