Atty. Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos, Jr.
DILG Secretary

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today issued a Decision denying the Appeal filed before us by PLt. Col. Mark Julio U. Abong. This is in relation to his involvement in the hit-and-run and drunk driving incident on August 6, 2022 along Anonas Street, Quezon City that killed tricycle driver Joel Larosa and injured a passenger.

We affirm the assailed Decision dated August 24, 2023 and Resolution dated September 22, 2023 of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Regional Appellate Board National Capital Region (RAB NCR) First Division finding Abong guilty of three administrative charges classified as grave offense warranting a penalty of dismissal from service in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

We find that his Appeal is bereft of merit. The evidence points out to his guilt for grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer when he concealed his culpability in the said hit-and-run incident.

Abong maliciously falsified evidence to put the blame on his driver Ronald Centino. However, substantial and circumstantial evidence is sufficient to refute Abong’s alibi and defense of mistaken identity.

This includes his admission to the PNP Health Services for treatment of his injuries immediately after the accident and where he was found by attending medical staff to be intoxicated.

Abong has been given due process and his exhaustion of administrative remedies stops here. He can no longer delay his dismissal from service as recommended by the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) Fourth Division in its Decision dated March 21, 2023. Ubos na ang baraha niya at hindi na niya mapapaikot pa ang batas!

I, therefore, direct PNP Chief, Police General Benjamin C. Acorda, Jr. to immediately issue an implementing order of the dismissal of Abong. He is a disgrace to his uniform and the police organization as he continues his rogue acts after being arrested for an allegedly unprovoked gun-firing incident outside a bar in Quezon City last Sunday.

The DILG does not condone a law enforcer to be the one breaking the law himself.

May this serve as a stern warning to all police officers in the country that no one is above the law. Ang sinumang pulis na umaabuso sa kanyang tsapa ay mananagot at walang kawala sa kamay ng batas.

Original Article at: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Statement-of-the-DILG-on-affirming-Napolcom-Resolution-dismissing-PLt-Col-Abong-from-police-service/NC-2023-1262