ARRESTED. Police personnel arrest Cpl. Esteven Mark Pandi for using a motorcycle that was seized from an anti-drug operation in Pasig City on Wednesday (June 3, 2020). The PNP has warned anew police personnel against using confiscated vehicles and motorcycles. (Photo courtesy of IMEG)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday warned anew all police officers against using confiscated motor vehicles and motorcycles, particularly those seized during anti-illegal drug operations.
PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, issued the warning after an anti-illegal drug operative from the Pasig City police was arrested by the PNP Integrated Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) and other police units in an operation in Barangay Santolan on Wednesday.
The arrested police officer was identified as Cpl. Esteven Mark Pandi, 32, assigned at the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of Pasig City Police Station along with a back rider, Mary Grace David, 25.
“Aside from the criminal and administrative charges against Pandi, his immediate superior will face an investigation because of command responsibility,” Gamboa said in a statement.
IMEG received reports that Pandi was using a motorcycle that was seized in an anti-illegal drug operation conducted by the Pasig police on October 4, 2019. The motorcycle later found was owned and registered to drug suspect Sigwald M. Perolina.
Seized pieces of evidence and items from the suspects were one Yamaha NMax (with ignition key) color blue without plate number, one Colt .45, and a Beretta 9mm pistol.
The suspect is now under the custody of the PNP-IMEG for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.
Aside from criminal charges, Pandi will also face administrative charges for violation of the PNP's Standard Operating Procedure No. 7. (PNA)
