PHNOM PENH: A PROVINCIAL military police commander and four of his subordinates were disciplined for misconduct.
According to The Phnom Penh Post, the National Military Police (NMP) said it had disciplined Brigadier-General Meas Sovann and four others from the Battambang provincial military police.
NMP chief General Sao Sokha said Sovann and four of his subordinates had committed irregularities when executing their duties.
The four are deputy NMP chief Sam Bunthoeun, Samlot district NMP chief Chuob No, deputy NMP chief Chhoeun Sophat and his assistant, Nob Samoeun.
The Post said Sovann and the subordinates were required to sign contracts pledging to correct their actions and strengthen the capability of the Military Police to reflect the role of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and other executive officers.
This is prescribed in the Law on General Statutes for the Military Personnel of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the General Regulation for RCAF.
The decision was announced at the Battambang provincial military police headquarters to ensure all rank and file would be aware of the disciplinary action.
Observers on social media criticised the disciplinary action,
alleging that the infractions stemmed from a conflict of interest during a crackdown on natural resources crime in Samlot district in May.
In response, NMP spokesman Eng Hy said free expression was a fundamental right and freedom, but the code of ethics must be respected.
“The exercise of individuals’ rights and freedoms must not affect the rights, freedom, honour and reputation of others. It must follow the law.
“We cannot accept comments designed to slander, defame, smear and incite internal division in the NMP. However, we welcome constructive criticism.”