PNP downgrades IAS chief’s penalty

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has downgraded the penalty imposed on Internal Affairs Service inspector general Alfegar Triambulo.

From a six-month suspension, the PNP ordered Triambulo to pay fines.

Triambulo was initially suspended from Dec. 1 to Feb. 14, 2024 on charges of sexual harassment.

Since Triambulo will be retiring on Feb. 15 next year, the PNP converted his suspension into a fine, which may be deducted from his retirement benefits, accrued leave credits or any receivables from the police force.

The amount of fine would cover his remaining 106 days or from Feb. 15 to May 30, 2024.

“The period of suspension shall be a gap in his length of service,” the PNP said.

Last week, the Office of the Ombudsman suspended Triambulo for six months without pay in connection with the sexual harassment complaint filed by his subordinate, Genevieve Lipura.

The ombudsman found Triambulo guilty of administrative offenses, specifically grave misconduct and gross incompetence.