Marbil sacks EPD chief for 'failure of leadership' in P85-M 'hulidap' case

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has approved the relief of Brig. Gen. Villamor Tuliao, director of Metro Manila's Eastern

- By AARON RECUENCO

Police District (EPD), over what he described as a failure of leadership that led to the involvement of eight policemen in an P85-million robbery case in Las Piñas City on April 2.

Aside from the EPD director, Marbil also ordered the sacking of 30 other policemen, including the entire District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) of EPD where the eight erring policemen were assigned.

"This is no longer just about rogue officers—it is a failure of leadership. When discipline collapses, it begins at the top. Leaders will be held to the highest standards of accountability," said Marbil.

The eight policemen are now detained at the Las Piñas City custodial facility after they were charged with robbery, serious illegal detention, illegal arrest and kidnapping before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The eight policemen stormed the house of a foreign businessman in an exclusive subdivision in Barangay Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City, using an arrest warrant against two Chinese nationals.

The initial investigation revealed that the eight policemen used the arrest warrant for other purposes as it was disclosed that around P85 million worth of cash and jewelry were taken from the Chinese businessman who did not fit the identity of any of those named in the arrest warrant.

Around P12 million cash were recovered from the eight cops, who later claimed that the money was going to be used as evidence against the Chinese businessmen, who, in turn, allegedly tried to bribe them.

The other cash money which were in different denomination and currencies, as well as jewelry, have not been recovered.