Zamboanga Metropolis map. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
ZAMBOANGA CITY — 4 cops who have been concerned in a theft final 12 months have been dismissed from the service.
Zamboanga Peninsula Police Director Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding mentioned the erring cops have been discovered responsible of grave misconduct and have been faraway from the police service efficient January 12, 2024.
He recognized them as Lt. Ariel Jolatoria, 43, Employees Grasp Sgt. Al-Najir Ynawat, 41, Employees Sgt. Edcel Nicolas, 42, and Pat. Ryan Apostol, 31.
“The Police Regional Workplace 9 (PRO 9) upholds its dedication to the best requirements of integrity, morality, and uprightness. Any misconduct or felony conduct by cops won’t be tolerated, and acceptable disciplinary actions, reminiscent of dismissal, might be taken to keep up public belief and guarantee accountability,” Masauding mentioned.
The 4 have been charged with armed theft, carting away some P2.1 million together with a number of cell phones from the home of businessman Al-Ghabid Umabong Abdul in Barangay Tetuan final November 14, 2023.
READ: Cops accused of faking arrest warrant to barge, rob dealer in Zambo Metropolis
Based mostly on a blotter of the incident, the 4 faked a warrant of arrest, supposedly in opposition to Abdul’s father, and offered themselves as members of the police’s Regional Particular Operations Group.
On the time of the crime, Jolatoria was assigned on the Regional Headquarters Help Unit; Ynawat was a member of the Metropolis Cell Patrol Unit; Apostol a member of the Zamboanga Metropolis Cell Drive Firm; and Nicolas an obligation officer of the Zamboanga Metropolis Police Station 7.
READ: Police station chief, 4 cop execs nabbed for extortion, theft in Zamboanga Metropolis
Jolatoria, Ynawat, and Nicolas have been within the police service for 17 years and seven months, whereas Apostol served for 5 years and one month.
Three of them have been arrested in numerous places within the metropolis whereas one surrendered in Alicia city, Zamboanga del Sur.
Masauding mentioned the regional police management treats allegations of misconduct with the utmost seriousness and is devoted to upholding the best requirements of integrity and professionalism inside its ranks.
“It is very important underscore that this incident doesn’t mirror the overwhelming majority of PRO 9 police personnel, who tirelessly serve and shield the neighborhood.”