By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur— Two active members of the Philippine National Police assigned to Police Regional Office-13 (Caraga) are facing criminal and administrative charges after they were allegedly caught in a compromising situation inside a rented room in Barangay Bayanihan in Butuan City on July 1.
In an official statement, PRO-13 said both the male and female personnel are married. They were reportedly discovered by the husband of the female police officer while allegedly engaged in a suspicious act inside the rented room.
The incident prompted the filing of a criminal complaint for adultery and separate administrative cases against both police personnel.
PRO-13 said it would not tolerate any form of misconduct that undermines the integrity of the police organization, stressing that members of the Philippine National Police are expected to uphold the highest standards of morality, discipline and professionalism both in public service and in their personal lives.
“The leadership of PRO-13 firmly upholds and values the sanctity of marriage and the protection of the family as the basic unit of society. We will neither tolerate nor excuse any act that undermines these sacred foundations,” the regional police office said.
It also reminded all PNP personnel in the Caraga region that immoral conduct and other scandalous acts that tarnish the image of the organization would be dealt with accordingly.
PRO-13 assured the public that both the criminal and administrative investigations would be conducted impartially and transparently, with no special treatment for the respondents.
“If proven liable, they will face both criminal and administrative sanctions, including possible dismissal from the service,” the statement said.
The regional police office added that it remains committed to its internal cleansing program and to enforcing the highest standards of professionalism to preserve public trust and confidence in the police organization.
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