PNP dismisses cop in possession of illegal drugs

By RODRIGO S. VICTORIA, PIA 8
February 3, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  A cop arrested by the drug enforcement agency in possession of illegal drugs was dismissed from the service for commission of an administrative offense.

According to Rochelle Febria, information officer-designate of the Philippine National Police Regional Office 8, PO2 Elmer A. Ampong was arrested by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on January 28, 2011 in a buy-bust operation in Candahug, Palo, Leyte.

Febria said that seized from PO2 Ampong was a brick of cocaine and a .45 caliber pistol.

PO2 Ampong is charged for violating Section 5 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 which prohibits the sale of illegal drugs, Febria said.

She said that P/CSupt Arnold R. Revilla, Regional Director of PNP 8 clarified that PO2 Ampong who was assigned at the Regional Headquarters Service Support Group in Camp Kangleon, Campetic, Palo, Leyte was already dismissed from the service on December 21, 2010 for Serious Neglect of Duty (AWOL).

Febria added that PNP 8 Director Revilla disclosed that several notifications were sent to PO2 Ampong directing him to appear before the hearing officer and submit pertinent documents related to his administrative case.

She further said that Director Revilla informed that after all efforts exerted were futile for PO2 Ampong to appear before the hearing officer and submit pertinent documents related to his administrative case, the hearing officer in the ex-parte or summary proceeding conducted found PO2 Ampong administratively liable and was penalized with dismissal from the service.