ComPol Defends Controversial Promotion Despite Shocking Video Evidence
A series of police promotions is now under scrutiny, amid claims that some officers may have moved up the ranks without following standard procedures. One case drawing particular attention is that of Corporal Wilbert Coc. He was caught on camera choking a woman in Benque Viejo but was still promoted to sergeant. Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado is defending that decision. He says the woman involved chose not to press charges and instead requested family counseling, meaning there was no legal barrier to Coc’s promotion. Rosado is also refuting wider allegations, insisting that all promotions are governed by the Police Act and that no officers were advanced without meeting the required process, including exams.
Reporter
“Can you confirm if Sergeant Obed Arzu was transferred this week from PSB because he had a verbal dispute with Mr. Gamboa?”
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“We have done a number of transfer based on our operational necessity and expediencies of services.”
Reporter
“Would you be able to discuss then the promotion of Corporal Wilbert Coc, who was caught on camera choking a woman? Why did you approve this transfer when you have said it’s zero tolerance for that kind of behavior?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“Please appreciate that the protocol or the policy for the police department is to arrest the perpetrator once a report is made. We cannot compel the victim to make or to pursue prosecution. And in this case, as I was briefed, that the victim asked us to res- to respect her decision and that she will seek a family counseling instead of pursuing prosecution. Hence, there was no legal impediment preventing Coc from being promoted or the officer from being promoted.”
Reporter
“Can you comment on the number of promotions that have been approved for officers who it is said did not even sit the promotional exam? Your comment.”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“Sometimes you, you have to stop, listen to stupidity. There’s a process that within that is regulated within the Police Act on how promotion are done. It’s initiated when an application is, application are sent out or acceptance of application are accepted by the department. A vetting committee vets those application. They are then shortlisted. Then after they are shortlisted, they then move on to the promotional exam. Those who pass the promotional exam, those applicants are then shortlisted to go before the promotional board. So there’s an entire process that is legislated in the Police Act.”
Back in April, two separate domestic violence cases involving police officers came under public scrutiny after which Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado stressed that while one victim chose not to pursue prosecution, the force remains bound by protocol and committed to accountability in handling such allegations.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.