No mercy for rogue cops, Marbil says amid ‘warrantless search’ mess
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil (PNA file photo by Lloyd Caliwan)
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Friday directed all police units to strictly comply with operational procedures and ethical standards.
This came as Marbil ordered a thorough probe into the incident where police officers entered a house in Taguig City without a search warrant on Feb. 9.
“The PNP is committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and professionalism. Any actions that violate police operational procedures and the rights of our citizens will not be tolerated, and appropriate sanctions will be imposed,” he said in a statement.
He also reaffirmed the PNP’s commitment to transparency and professionalism, ensuring that every action taken serves the best interests of the public.
He warned of administrative sanctions, which may include dismissal, demotion, or suspension, and criminal charges against those found to have committed such violations.
Article continues after this advertisement“As law enforcers, we are duty-bound to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of every individual. This investigation is not just about accountability but also about reinforcing public trust in the PNP,” Marbil said.
Article continues after this advertisementA viral video showed the police officers, clad in civilian clothes, enter the house of a woman without a valid warrant. Reports said the woman was previously charged with illegal drug possession but was acquitted and released in 2022.
The cops also allegedly assaulted the woman’s 14-year-old son and grabbed his mobile phone during the incident.
A caption of the video also claimed that these cops conduct raids in the area called “Block 5” almost every weekend without a search warrant.
After the viral incident, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) relieved the involved personnel, including their immediate supervisor, to ensure an objective inquiry.
Their service firearms have also been turned over to their respective units as part of standard procedures.
NCRPO chief, Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, said complaints of robbery, grave coercion, physical injury, obstruction of justice, and malicious mischief charges, as well as violation of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, were filed against the 10 cops before the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office.
Aberin said the charges filed against each respondent were based on the illegal actions committed and the degree of their participation in the illegitimate operation.
The Department of Justice, he added, would scrutinize and evaluate the complaints to determine if there is prima facie evidence that can lead to sure conviction in each case.
