BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - A police officer, who was once cited for his
bravery, is facing possible dismissal from service after he allegedly robbed a construction worker.
Senior Supt. Melchor Coronel, acting director of Bacolod City Police Office, said that robbery hold-up charges will be filed against Police Officer 1 Ryan Lumogdang, who was detailed at the BCPO Mobile Patrol Group.
Lumogdang allegedly robbed 21-year-old Jilbert Genega, a construction worker, of Barangay Mandalagan, this city, on Saturday, September 19. Genega was waiting for a jeepney at BS Aquino Drive, Barangay 5, when the police-suspect told him to surrender his bag while he showed him his .45 caliber pistol tucked in his waistband.
The police-suspect then forcibly took the victim’s cellphone worth P2,000 and his bag containing construction tools and several identification cards. Lumogdang left the victim unharmed and fled the incident on board a public utility jeepney.
Coronel said that the victim positively identified the police, adding that they already convinced the victim to file criminal charges against Lumogdang. The Bacolod police director said that he directed the Investigation and Detection Management Branch to conduct further investigation on Lumogdang’s background.
Good cop turned bad cop?
In May 2015, Lumogdang was relieved from the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group after he tested positive for using illegal drugs. His case is still pending at the Regional Internal Affairs Service at Police Regional Office-6.
Lumogdang was once cited by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) for his bravery in arresting an armed man at the Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon while he was off-duty.
During the incident, Lumogdang was stabbed by the suspect. He was also awarded by “Medalya ng Papuri” by the PRO-6 for his apprehension of the members of notorious robbery groups.
Coronel disclosed that Lumogdang failed to report for duty for almost a month and will be declared absent without official leave (AWOL).
He said that he already ordered Supt. Adonis Rosales, head of the Mobile Patrol Group, to disarm Lumogdang and declare him AWOL.
Coronel added that he will not tolerate any illegal activities from his men, adding that he is serious in filing charges against erring policemen. - Rappler.com
Police supplies image via ShutterStock.