Activists appeal Ombudsman’s dismissal of raps vs 5 police officers

MANILA — Two activists have appealed the Office of the Ombudsman’s dismissal of their complaints against five police personnel on Monday.

Niezel Agudo and Julieta Gomez earlier filed complaints including alleged unlawful arrest, planting of evidence, and false testimony against Police Master Sergeant Jehrome Chico, Police Corporal John Ronoel Conde, Patrolman Julius Edward Mahinay, and Patrolwomen Mary Grail Waclin and Magdalena Lipata.

Agudo recalled that they were apprehended in Barangay Pansol in Quezon City in July 2021 due to illegal possession of firearms, attempted murder, and murder cases.

They were released from detention in April 2025 when the court cleared them from the cases.

They then filed the complaints against the police officers, which were junked by the Ombudsman over lack of prima facie evidence, the activists said.


“Na-dismiss ‘yung kasong finile namin sa Ombudsman, na hindi makatarungan ‘yung desisyon,” Agudo told reporters.

“Halos apat na taon kaming nakulong sa walang batayan na ebidensya sa pagtanim ng mga baril ng PNP (Philippine National Police),” she added. “Saan ‘yung katarungan namin?”

Agudo lamented how activists are easily detained while police officers seldom do.

Aside from the charges, the complainants are seeking the dismissal of the police officers with forfeiture of benefits.


“Panawagan namin sa Ombudsman na tignan nang maiigi ‘yung mga finile naming kaso hinggil sa mga tiwaling pulis,” Agudo appealed.