Malabon cops relieved for ‘questionable’ search

At least six policemen from the Malabon City Substation 4 in Barangay Catmon were relieved of their posts after a video of policemen serving a search warrant surfaced online.

Malabon City Police Station Chief Police Colonel Jay Baybayan said that the relieved police officers were currently transferred to the headquarters of the Malabon City Police Station.

The case stemmed from alleged lapses of the policemen while serving a search warrant along Gulayan Street last 21 January, where an alias “Tarajen” recounted that around 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, three plainclothes policemen confirmed his identity and proceeded to handcuff him before taking him to Substation 4.

He added that when the policemen handcuffed him, they did not inform him of his Miranda rights.

After being brought to the police station, “Tarajen” was brought back to his house, where the police conducted a search, which resulted in the recovery of a firearm.

“During the search, the police quickly approached the Durabox and recovered the caliber .38, as if they already knew where the firearm was hidden,” Tarajen said, alleging that the police had planted the weapon inside his house.

In response, Baybayan said that there was no “tanim ebidensiya” that took place during the operation.

“There was no planted evidence during the incident. The three arresting officers have also been relieved as the investigation by the Malabon City Police Station continues,” Baybayan said.

Based on the inquest resolution issued by the office of the city prosecutor, a caliber .38 revolver and three ammunition were recovered.

Two days later, the city prosecutor dropped the charges in violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, leading to his release from detention.

Tarajen and his wife are determined to file administrative and criminal charges against the police officers.