PNP to reinstate 17 acquitted cops in Maguindanao massacre case
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2019 06:47:08 +0000
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will reinstate 17 of the 36 policemen who were acquitted in the Maguindanao massacre case would be back on service.
“Kinukumpirma natin na 17 lamang ang maaaring mareinstate marestore to full duty status [We confirm that 17 will be reinstated and restored for full duty status],” Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesman, told reporters in a press briefing on Friday.
Banac said the 17 policemen were considered on automatic leave and were on absence without pay as they were still detained.
Banac said the acquitted lawmen would be required to undergo mandatory drug test, neuro-psychiatric test and medical examination “to determine their fitness after having been away from the service for a very long period of time.”
Nineteen policemen were found guilty based on the decision by Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 221.
“Sa ngayon po ay maaari na silang i-restore subalit ‘di applicable yung back wages lumalabas na no work no pay [They could now return to duty but payment of back wages is not applicable since it’s no work no pay],” Banac said. DARWIN PESCO