35 WV cops face administrative penalties

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Thirty-five police officers in Western Visayas were penalized for various administrative offenses in the first four months of 2026.

Records from the Police Regional Office 6 showed that 23 of the 35 personnel were ordered suspended between January and April.

Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, said the PNP’s disciplinary machinery also led to the dismissal of seven police officers and the demotion of two others.

Three others were reprimanded.

Ligan said most of those administratively charged were accused of being AWOL, or absent without official leave.

“Baka wala na silang desire mag-pulis,” he said.

Others were punished over command responsibility-related charges.

Ligan said this showed that summary hearing procedures against police officers facing administrative complaints are working.

He added that the procedures are also completed within the allotted time frame.

National Police Commission Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002, or the Revised Rules of Procedure before the Administrative Disciplinary Authorities and the Internal Affairs Service of the PNP, provides the framework for handling administrative complaints against police officers and ensuring their just and expeditious resolution.

As guided by the circular, the investigation and adjudication of administrative cases are streamlined to observe due process rather than strict technical rules of evidence.

Complainants may elevate their complaints before the Napolcom, the Internal Affairs Service, and the People’s Law Enforcement Board, among others.