2 SAF cops moonlighting as security aid charged

NINE policemen from the Special Action Force (SAF) have been relieved from their posts, including two who were arrested after a fistfight in Muntinlupa City.

Police earlier identified the two as Corporal George Rojo Mabuti and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez, who are both assigned in Mindanao.

SAF director Brig. Gen. Mark Pespes, who announced the relief yesterday, said the seven others are the battalion commander, company and platoon leaders, and other SAF personnel who have “direct supervision” over Mabuti and Valdez.

Mabuti and Valdez were arrested by the Muntinlupa City police on May 18 after they figured in a fistfight inside a village in Ayala, Alabang. Investigation later found they were providing VIP security to a Chinese who is supposedly involved in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) business.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said a criminal case of alarm and scandal have been already filed against the two policemen.

Marbil said investigations are ongoing as to the administrative liability of the nine policemen.

“We are investigating why these two SAF members are in Metro Manila. They are both assigned in Mindanao… What we know is they are in Metro Manila and they are not authorized (to be here),” he said.

He said the two may have committed “grave irregularity in the performance of duty” for moonlighting as bodyguards of the Chinese. He did not identify the Chinese being secured by Mabuti and Valdez.

“We are going to file charges not only against them two SAF personnel but also against their battalion commander, their company commander. Why did they allow this to happen?” he said.

Pespes said the investigation “aims to ensure transparency and accountability within the SAF.”

“The SAF reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards any illegal activities, including misconduct as this unit is committed to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct among our ranks,” he said.

Pespes assured the public that SAF is treating the matter “seriously.”

He said “appropriate disciplinary measures will be enforced against any personnel found guilty of violating regulations.