695 cases vs cops remain pending

MANILA, Philippines—A total of 695 administrative cases against policemen have remained pending, prompting the chief of the Philippine National Police to issue an ultimatum to resolve all cases by the end of the month.

To fast-track the resolution of these cases, PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo ordered the relief of all summary hearing officers from their other posts to focus on solving the pending cases.

Summary hearing officers are serving dual positions such as chiefs of police, provincial directors and other key positions.

"Effective yesterday (Tuesday), all summary hearing officers have been relieved and assigned to the office of the deputy regional director for administration to complete and finish all hearings," Bacalzo told a news conference.

Key posts that will be left vacant will temporarily be occupied by the deputy chief.

A total of 2,165 administrative cases were filed against policemen, of which 1,470 have already been solved.

Of the solved cases, 235 policemen were dismissed from the service, 79 were demoted while 725 were suspended, among others. (report from Abigail Kwok, Inquirer.net)