PNP chief vows to get tough on聽10 cops over warrantless raid聽
FORCED ENTRY Video footage shows police in civilian clothes entering a home in Barangay Tipas, Taguig City, and manhandling the residents on Feb. 9. —SCREENGRAB FROM FACEBOOK
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil issued a stern warning to all personnel following the filing of charges against 10 officers who allegedly hurt several people as they carried out a warrantless search on a house in Taguig City.
A viral video showed the members of the Taguig police entering a home at Barangay Tipas without a valid search warrant and manhandling some residents on Feb. 9.
The officers claimed that they were arresting a woman in an antidrug operation. Earlier reports said the woman had been charged with possession of illegal drugs but was acquitted and released in 2022.
“Any police personnel found guilty of misconduct will be held fully accountable,” Marbil said in a statement issued on Thursday night.
“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 added.
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,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisementThe National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has relieved the 10 policemen of duty, including their immediate superior, “to ensure an objective inquiry.” The PNP said their service firearms have also been turned over to their respective units as part of protocol.
Chief included in probe
Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, NCRPO chief, has ordered the inclusion of Taguig police chief Col. Joey Goforth in the investigation.
Aberin earlier said that robbery, grave coercion, physical injury, obstruction of justice, malicious mischief charges and violations of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, have been filed against the policemen involved.
Marbil assured the public of a “comprehensive yet expeditious investigation” to determine the facts, identify lapses and establish accountability.
He said those found to have committed violations would face administrative sanctions, which may include dismissal, demotion or suspension, while criminal charges would be pursued in coordination with the concerned parties.
He ordered all police to follow operational procedures and ethical standards to prevent similar incidents in the future as he renewed the PNP’s commitment to transparency and professionalism.
“The PNP remains steadfast in its mission to serve and protect with integrity. We will continue to uphold the principles of justice and fairness in all our operations,” he said.
Jade Castro case
Last year, a case of warrantless arrest also made headlines for which the PNP came under heavy criticism.
A group of police officers was accused of making an illegal arrest in February 2024 when filmmaker Jade Castro and his three friends were apprehended in Quezon province.
Castro and his friends Ernesto Orcinem, Noel Mariano and Dominic Valerio Ramos were tagged as suspects in the burning of a jeepney in Catanauan town, an accusation they denied.
They said no arrest warrant was presented during their apprehension.
In an Inquirer interview on Friday, human rights lawyer VJ Topacio said a warrantless arrest is allowed under Philippine law if the crime is in progress or has just been committed when discovered, a person is caught attempting to commit a crime, or the arresting officer has personal knowledge of the crime perpetrated.
It is also allowed during the hot pursuit of a person who has just committed a crime, he added.
