TACLOBAN CITY — A policeman based in Limasawa, Southern Leyte was ordered relieved from his post after he was caught in a viral video planting a pack of cigarettes as evidence against a sari-sari store last 30 September.

Southern Leyte Provincial Police Office director P/Col. Hector Enage on Sunday said that he ordered the immediate relief of cop identified as P/Cpl. Ruel Arot of Limasawa Municipal Police Station to give way to an investigation by the provincial police office on the incident.

The viral video showed that Arot was conducting a routine inspection of the store due to alleged repeated reports that the owner was violating a local ordinance that prohibits selling of cigarettes.

It also showed him stating the Miranda rights normally read to accused of a crime.

When the owner asked why he is read of the Miranda rights, the police took a pack of cigarette from his sling bag and put it right in front of the owner as if it was his proof of violation.