Three police officers, including the chief of the Molo Police Station, are facing administrative charges after the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM-6) found probable cause in connection with the failed arrest of a dismissed police officer who was reportedly near the station despite an outstanding murder warrant.

NAPOLCOM-6 spokesperson Atty. Michelle Yotoko said the commission found probable cause to proceed with administrative cases against Police Captain Ryan Christ Inot and two other officers following a pre-charge investigation.

Inot is facing charges of grave misconduct and grave neglect of duty, while the two other police officers are facing grave irregularity in the performance of duty, Yotoko said in an interview with RMN Iloilo.

The case stemmed from an incident on July 1, when personnel from the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) and the Special Action Force (SAF) went to the Molo police station to serve a warrant of arrest against dismissed police officer Jerry Villanueva in connection with a murder case.
The operation, however, failed to result in Villanueva’s arrest.

According to Yotoko, 15 police personnel were initially subjected to pre-charge investigation over the incident. NAPOLCOM 6 eventually found probable cause to pursue administrative cases against three of them.
Yotoko said Villanueva was reportedly outside the police station at the time and that authorities were aware that he had an outstanding warrant.

The circumstances surrounding why the warrant was not successfully served are now at the center of the administrative proceedings.

The findings, however, do not constitute a final determination of guilt.

Yotoko said the three officers will be given the opportunity to explain their side and submit evidence in their defense as the proceedings continue.

Inot also remains chief of the Molo Police Station, with any decision on whether he and the two other officers should be relieved from their posts left to the Philippine National Police.

Yotoko said possible penalties, if the officers are eventually found guilty, could include demotion, an additional 60-day suspension or dismissal from the service, depending on the final findings and applicable rules.IMT