House Committee Cites Two Senior PNP Officers for Contempt in Inquiry

MANILA, Philippines — In a significant development on Monday, a House of Representatives committee cited two senior officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for contempt, accusing them of lying during an inquiry into the alleged illegal arrest, detention, and robbery of four Chinese nationals in Parañaque City in September of the previous year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Roderick Mariano, the former director of the PNP-Southern Police District (SPD), and Col. Charlie Cabradilla, the former head of SPD comptroller, were cited for contempt following a motion by ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo. “I think you are a disgrace to the Philippine National Police, especially to the officers’ corps,” Tulfo addressed Mariano during the session, accusing both officers of blatant dishonesty and cover-up efforts.

The committee’s decision to cite Mariano and Cabradilla in contempt was unanimously approved after Tulfo’s compelling motion. Subsequently, Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano proposed that both officers be detained in Congress for 30 days as a consequence of their actions.

Furthermore, Tulfo requested an extension of detention for another six police officers previously cited for contempt by the committee for their refusal to disclose the truth. These officers include Lt. Col. Jolet T. Guevara, Maj. Jason D. Quijana, Maj. John Patrick Magsalos, and Staff Sergeants Roy G. Pioquinto, Mark J. Democrito, and Danilo L. Desder, suggesting their detention period be extended for an additional 15 days.

“It would be unfair if we are putting Gen. Mariano and Col. Cabradilla on a 30-day arrest while the others are only for 15 days, while they are the number one liars,” Tulfo remarked, emphasizing the gravity of their dishonesty before the committee. The committee chairperson, Rep. Dan Fernandez of Santa Rosa City, affirmed the motion for contempt.

In a gesture towards fairness, Paduano mentioned that the detained officers are entitled to challenge the committee’s decision. “That is your right,” he assured the officers, indicating the possibility of legal recourse against the contempt citations and detention orders.