The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has filed several criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against relieved Puerto Princesa City, Palawan’s police director Col. Marion Balonglong in connection with the illegal arrest and maltreatment of eight agency employees last June 10.
Balonglong is facing criminal charges of torture, unlawful arrest, slight physical injuries, obstruction of apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders, and graft and corruption.
The embattled police officer was also charged administratively for grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in violation of Republic Act 6317, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu earlier called for a swift resolution of the investigation but assured the Philippine National Police that DENR’s cordial and collaborative partnership with it would not change.