Manila – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has upheld the dismissal of Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong, a police officer involved in a hit-and-run case in Quezon City. In a 10-page decision released Wednesday night, the DILG denied Abong’s appeal for lack of merit, following his involvement in a hit-and-run and drunk driving incident on August 6, 2022, that resulted in the death of tricycle driver Joel Larosa and injured a passenger.
According to Philippines News Agency, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. affirmed the decision of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) Regional Appellate Board National Capital Region (RAB NCR) First Division, which found Abong guilty of grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. The RAB had earlier supported the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (QC PLEB)’s dismissal order against Abong issued in March.
Abalos revealed that Abong attempted to falsify evidence and blamed his driver Ronald Centino, but substantial and circumstantial evidence refuted his defense. This included Abong’s admission to the PNP Health Services for treatment of injuries sustained in the accident, where he was found intoxicated. Abalos emphasized that Abong was given due process and exhausted all administrative remedies.
The PNP has been ordered to implement Abong’s dismissal immediately. Meanwhile, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan stated that the City Prosecutor’s Office found sufficient evidence to indict Abong on several charges, including illegal discharge of a firearm and violation of the Omnibus Election Code, following a separate incident where he fired his gun in a bar on November 26.