PNP-SAF personnel in action during a skills demonstration in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, on May 17, 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/file 

The Philippine National Police has axed from the service 11 Special Action Force (SAF) personnel involved in providing unauthorized escort services to a Chinese national.

Acting on the recommendation of the Internal Affairs Service (IAS), the PNP said Friday that Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil signed the decision dismissing the following from the service: 

P/Lt.Col. Joseph A. Bagsao

PEMS Aaron A. Turano

P/Cpl. George R. Mabuti

Pat. Roger R. Valdez, Jr.

P/Cpt. Roy A. Pleños

P/Cpt. Dale Andrei D. Duterte

P/Lt. Aaron F. Tudlong

PSMS Edmark A. Mabini

PSMS Albert S. Gandipon

P/Cpt. Jesttony F. Asanion

P/Lt. Michael C. Misa 

The PNP said the 11 were found guilty of grave misconduct, dishonesty, grave irregularity in the performance of their duties, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

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The PNP added that P/Cpt. Mark Victor M. Pineda was also suspended for 31 days for Simple Neglect of Duty and Less Grave Neglect of Duty.

The case stemmed from an incident on May 18, 2024, when a security guard reported a commotion in Ayala-Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City.

Upon arrest, it was discovered that the individuals involved were members of SAF moonlighting as security for a Chinese national, AH Long, and his two children, without proper authorization.

An investigation by the IAS revealed that Bagsao, former Battalion Commander, and Turano, former Battalion Executive Senior Police Officer, deployed PCpl Mabuti and Valdez as security for AH Long and his family in violation of PNP regulations. 

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The PNP also discovered that other officers, including Pleños and Gandipon, concealed their absence by manipulating daily reports to falsely indicate that they were present on duty. 

Meanwhile, Valdez transferred funds, reportedly earned through his moonlighting activities, to another officer’s account.

The investigation, supported by signed documents such as the Daily Personnel and Payroll Action Report (DPPAR), led to filing of charges against the respondents. 

"Let it be clear that the Philippine National Police does not and will not tolerate any form of misconduct or dishonesty within its ranks. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability, and those who fail to uphold these values will be held accountable. This is a message to all PNP personnel: we are here to serve the people with integrity, and we will continue to cleanse the ranks of those who undermine the trust placed in us," Marbil said in a statement.