Napolcom: Strong evidence for administrative cases vs Pagdilao, Tinio

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) says they have strong pieces of evidence to file administrative cases against Director Joel Pagdilao and Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio if they will fail to answer the observations of the committee investigating their case.

Pagdilao and Tinio are two of the three active star-ranked police officers who are allegedly involved in illegal drugs operations.

Related: Napolcom to 3 generals: Explain operational irregularities

Among the possible administrative cases that Pagdilao and Tinio may face include: serious neglect of duty, serious irregularity in the conduct of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Napolcom Vice Chairman Rogelio Casurao said on Monday they had sent notices to the two officers through the office of the PNP Chief to answer the adverse findings against them based on the initial investigation last Friday.

"The investigating team has already sent request or subpoena or notices to Director Pagdilao and Tinio. Because they have to be given the chance to file their comment on the result of the investigation," Casurao said.

They had been asked to answer the notices within five calendar days or until Tuesday.

Failure to answer the notice will lead to filing of formal administrative charges against the two officers.

The Napolcom Vice Chairman earlier said there were instances where the two officials allowed the transfer of police officers to an anti-illegal drugs unit even if they were not equipped with proper training.

The Commission said familiarity of the senior police officials with junior policemen could be the reason why they were transferred to the anti-illegal drugs unit.

He added the PNP National Headquarters also called on the attention of the accused officers through memorandum circulars in the past for failing to prepare pre and post-operational reports on its anti-illegal drugs operations.

"I think there will be basis already to come up with the probable cause because of the position taken by the investigating team that a lot of police operational procedures have not been observed," Casurao said. "So along these lines, if no explanation was given, given these findings, under our present rules, it could merit thorough administrative investigation"

Casurao, meanwhile, said they had yet to get sufficient pieces of evidence to establish possible administrative liabilities of Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz.