QUEZON CITY — The Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (IAS) has formally launched an administrative investigation into the February incident involving police officers accused of detaining individuals and extorting millions of pesos. 

PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the PNP has “zero tolerance” stance against "rogue cops".

“Ang ginawa po ng director ng CIDG is really to restrict this people, pinaimbestigahan po natin, we have enough [pieces of] evidence to remove these people, sabi ko nga zero tolerance e, hindi sila nakikinig, doon ako nagagalit… sabi ko doon lang tayo sa tama, once you destroy our organization, you’re out,” Marbil said.

The alleged crime took place on February 17, when the officers reportedly raided a warehouse owned by a Chinese national in Tondo for suspected violations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. 

Three individuals including a Chinese woman, were arrested.

“Nakakalungkot na makarinig ng mga ganitong pangyayari pa rin na may mga tao pa rin tayo nasasangkot sa mga ganitong gawain. But we have to do what we have to do, I have to comply and support the Chief PNP and the Philippine National Police sa ating programa sa pag cleanse ng PNP,” CIDG chief Major Gen. Nicolas Torre III said.

According to IAS Inspector General Atty. Brigido Dulay, the suspects allegedly demanded P18 million from the victims, who only managed to provide over P17 million.

“Yung isang babaeng Chinese dito ay ginamit nilang negotiator at base sa alegasyon dito ay mukhang pinakawalan matapos bayaran yung hinihinging 18 milyong piso,” Dulay said.

The officers now face multiple complaints including kidnapping, serious illegal detention, unlawful arrest, and possible evidence planting. Administrative charges such as grave misconduct are also under review. Dulay said a pre-charge investigation has begun and may be completed within a week.

Here is the breakdown of the accused officers:

    •    1 Police Lieutenant Colonel

    •    1 Police Major

    •    1 Police Chief Master Sergeant

    •    2 Police Master Sergeants

    •    1 Police Staff Sergeant

    •    1 Police Corporal

    •    3 Patrolmen

Marbil has also warned that the financial assets of those involved will be scrutinized. 

“We treat these policemen as criminal, hindi lang po doon sa conviction nila pati mga proceeds ng crime ipapakuha po natin sa mga banko nila, para hindi sila lalabas, kapag nakulong tapos na eh, paano naman yung kinita nila. Bubuksan namin bank account nila kasama na rin namin yun AMLC right now,” Marbil said. 

“Marami po kaming napapatanggal… Marami po kaming pinakukulong, marami po kaming pinadidismiss but once pinakita mo po, nai-embed sa tao na ganito pala kasalbahe ang pulis, hindi po kami humihinto, tuloy tuloy po ang cleansing po ng Philippine National Police against scalawags,” Marbil added. 

Meanwhile, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said it is waiting for the PNP and IAS’ report. 

“Inaantay ko na ang report ng IAS at aksyon ng chief pnp, kasi hahangtong at hahantong ang desisyon nila sa National Police Commission at kami dito ay excited na harapin yung kasong yan, para aksyunan na namin kung maya kailangang tanggalin, tanggaling na namin, may paglalagyan sila,” said Napolcom Vice-Chairpeson and Executive Officer Atty Rafael Calinisan. 

The suspects are currently in restrictive custody in the PNP Custodial Center.