By Itchie G. Cabayan
Thirteen members of the Highway Patrol Group-National Capital Region (PNP-HPG-NCR), including its chief, were administratively relieved from their posts following a controversial confrontation with Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel who were in the middle of destroying smuggled cigarettes in an incineration plant in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
Those relieved were HPG-NCR chief Col. Joey Tomas Caise, who was removed from his post and reassigned to Camp Crame, while 12 of his subordinates led by Lt. Col. Carlo Carreon Lonosa were placed on “floating” status.
Reportedly, the 13 HPG personnel allegedly prevented BOC staff at gunpoint from destroying smuggled cigarettes that were seized in previous operations.
While the HPG members claimed they raided the facility by mistake, an investigation is underway to determine whether the group attempted to retrieve the said contraband.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it was not making excuses for its Highway Patrol Group (HPG) personnel involved in an alleged confrontation with Bureau of Customs (BOC) officers in Santa Maria, Bulacan.
PNP spokesperson PCol. Allen Rae Co clarified though that “the relief ordered by the Chief PNP does not mean that they were found guilty or of any wrongdoing,” adding that the move was intended to prevent the personnel involved from influencing the investigation.
“If the contraband came from the highway, we can continue the operation. It would be inefficient if they had to call another unit while they were already tracking it,” he said, adding: “We are not making excuses for them. As the Chief Philippine National Police ordered, there will be a thorough investigation to determine all the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
