Two police officers and their commanders are facing dismissal from the Philippine National Police (PNP) after being accused of moonlighting for Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, according to PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil.
In a GMA News Online report, Marbil confirmed that the two officers were seen in a viral video alongside Duterte during an alleged assault incident in a Davao City bar. “Meron po kaming nakita sa video na apat po, dalawang pulis at dalawang armed forces. Doon sa dalawang pulis, they are not authorized, they are moonlighting,” Marbil stated in an ambush interview.
The two officers, who surrendered their firearms and identification cards, later went absent without official leave (AWOL). Marbil emphasized that they will be discharged along with their commanders for allowing the unauthorized activity and failing to account for their personnel.
In addition to dismissal, the PNP is preparing a dishonesty case against the two officers, which could lead to their perpetual disqualification from any government service.
The controversy stems from a complaint filed by a businessman accusing Duterte of less serious physical injuries and grave threats under the Revised Penal Code, linked to the February 23 incident. Duterte, however, has chosen to stay silent about the allegations, only addressing his constituents in a video posted on Facebook.
“Sa mga kapatid kong Davaoeño, ngayon may nakita na naman kayong video. Matagal-tagal na itong nangyari. Ah sige lang, nasa sa inyo pa rin ang desisyon kung sino ang inyong ibobotong congressman sa unang distrito. ‘Di ako makikialam,” Duterte said in Cebuano, leaving it to the voters to decide his political fate.
