UNDER RESTRICTIVE CUSTODY. Two Special Action Force commandos -- Cpl. George Mabuti and Pat. Roger Ramos Valdez -- are now under restrictive custody at the SAF headquarters in Laguna on Wednesday (May 22, 2024). The two who were discovered to be working as unauthorized security escorts of a Chinese national are facing alarm and scandal charges for engaging in a fistfight inside a posh village in Muntinlupa City on May 18. (Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office)
MANILA – The two commandos of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) facing alarm and scandal charges are now under restrictive custody.
In a press conference at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the Muntinlupa City Prosecutor's Office ordered the release of Cpl. George Mabuti and Pat. Roger Valdez from Muntinlupa City Police Station while their case is under investigation.
“Ang ibig sabihin lamang nito ay bibigyan ng pagkakataon ng magsumite ng counter affidavit itong mga inaresto natin para pabulaanan yung mga sinasabing naging offense nila (This means they were given the chance to submit a counter affidavit to deny the charges against them). Immediately upon learning of the fiscal's resolution, the SAF chief (Brig. Gen. Mark Pespes) had them fetched and taken to the SAF headquarters in Fort Sto. Domingo, Sta. Rosa Laguna where they would stay while their charges are being investigated," Fajardo said.
Upon their arrest inside the Ayala-Alabang Village on May 18, police officers discovered that the two men, who engaged in a fistfight, were moonlighting as unauthorized security escorts of a Chinese official of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).
Aside from two, seven other officers, including their battalion commander, company commander, platoon leader, are facing administrative cases, particularly grave irregularity in the performance of duty for providing security detail to an individual without the express authority of the PNP chief.
The seven officers were also placed under restrictive custody pending investigation.
Mabuti is a member of the 52nd Special Action Company Zamboanga while Valdez was from the 55th Special Action Company in the same province.
Fajardo said PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has ordered police commanders to account their personnel to ensure that they report daily in their respective assignments.
This is also to determine if a similar scheme is happening in other police units, she said.
Under the PNP's rules, only the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) is allowed to provide protective security personnel to those who have valid security threats to their lives.
Persons requesting protective security personnel would also have to undergo a threat assessment. (PNA)
