The team leader of the Special Operations Unit of the Eastern Police District (EPD), who was said to be involved in a robbery-extortion incident targeting a Chinese national in Las Piñas City, has been declared Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL).
PNP Spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo stated that PMaj. Emerson Coballes did not report to the EPD, despite a return-to-work order issued by his superiors.
"Mayroon na pong pinadala na return to work order po sa kanya at hanggang ngayon po ay hindi siya nagpapakita. So, he will be declared as absent without official leave. So, AWOL na po ang status niya," said Fajardo.
The development comes amid the PNP’s ongoing investigation into the possible involvement of higher-ranking officials in the illegal detention and ₱85-million robbery.
Earlier, eight EPD-DSOU personnel were charged for the illegal service of a warrant and seizing money and assets from a businessman on April 2.
The entire Special Operations Unit was relieved from duty following the alleged irregular operation involving a Chinese family in an exclusive subdivision.
Fajardo added that they are now also evaluating the possibility of charging the unit’s team leader, as it is deemed unlikely he was unaware of his men’s operation.
