Camarin cops in hot water over botched search

Five Caloocan City police officers were temporarily relieved from their posts after a video showing them entering a residential area during a hot pursuit went viral.

Reports disclosed that the incident occurred early Monday morning in Barangay 178, following a fatal shooting late Sunday night.

Police Lt. Russelle Fang, commander of the Camarin Police Substation, said officers entered a residential home around 2:30 a.m. after a witness reported the suspect fled into the area.

According to a police report submitted to Caloocan City Police Chief Edcille Canals, a woman identified only as “Raquel,” was shot twice in the head at approximately 11:20 p.m. Sunday on Avocado Street. She died at the scene.

Fang said authorities are investigating the possibility of a drug-related killing, noting the victim had previously undergone a barangay-led drug rehabilitation program.

Following the shooting, police conducted a hot pursuit operation to apprehend the suspect, described as wearing a white t-shirt.

A video posted on Facebook by a user named “Raghine” showed a tense confrontation between police and residents during the pursuit.

“This is what you did to our house. 3 a.m. in the morning, everyone in the house was asleep! You destroyed our gate and forced your way in even without a search warrant!” the caption read.

The video showed a woman and a police officer arguing during the search and Fang said residents were already shouting at officers upon their arrival.

“They said that we are always doing this to them, however, this is our first time entering the area,” Fang said.

Fang said officers entered the area because they were conducting a hot pursuit.

Regarding a bag that a woman in the video claimed contained trash, police said an inspection revealed it contained clothes belonging to a woman and a child.

“The investigator verified, and upon checking, it contained the clothes of a woman and a child. By morning, a couple claimed the bag, and they said that all belongings in the bag were complete,” Fang said.

In a phone interview, Caloocan City Police Chief Edcille Canals said Fang and four other Camarin policemen were placed on administrative leave.

“There is an allegation of conducting an illegal search so we are conducting an investigation. To assure an impartial and transparent investigation, we placed them on administrative leave,” Canals said.

Col. Josefino Ligan, acting director of the Northern Police District, also released a statement.

“Caloocan City Police Station remains committed to professionalism and accountability. We urge the public to allow due process and report any relevant information to the CCPS to assist in the investigation,” Ligan said.