Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 9) — President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the dismissal of two senior police officials he linked to the illegal drug trade, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Monday.
Director Joel Pagdilao, former Metro Manila Police chief, and Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio, former Quezon City Police chief, were dismissed from service for neglect of duty which led to the spread of illegal drugs in their jurisdiction, Abella said.
He added they “deliberately refused to perform their duties.”
“(They are) administratively liable for serious neglect of duty, serious irregularity in their performance of duty. This neglect led to proliferation of illegal drugs in their areas of jurisdiction,” he said.
Abella said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed the dismissal orders on October 5.
Asked if there was an investigation prior to the dismissal of the officials, Abella replied, “I assume.”
Pagdilao and Tinio are facing administrative charges for their alleged involvement in the drug trade. They were relieved from their posts in July 2016 after Duterte included them in the list of so-called “narco generals.”
Also in the list were retired Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo, retired Chief Superintendent and incumbent Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot, and Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz, who is also facing administrative charges.
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They all denied Duterte’s allegations.
CNN Philippines’ Ina Andolong and Lara Tan contributed to this report.
