The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Friday clarified reports regarding the alleged abduction of a Chinese national in Barangay San Antonio, Pasig City, on Thursday evening, saying it stemmed from an immigration operation but with noted lapses.

Initial reports indicated that about 10 unidentified individuals in camouflage uniforms and carrying long firearms in several vehicles took the Chinese national along Amethyst Street in Barangay San Antonio around 7:10 p.m.

The NCRPO immediately launched an investigation into the incident.

Coordination with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) revealed that the incident involved the implementation of a mission order against the Chinese national by the BI and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) for an alleged violation of immigration law.

However, the initial joint investigation uncovered significant lapses in the operation — specifically, the coordination undertaken did not appear to follow standard and prescribed procedures.

Furthermore, initial information suggested an excessive use of force by the operatives, with reports of indiscriminate and unjustified firing of guns during the operation. Evidence also indicated severe impropriety in some of the operatives’ actions.

These initial findings will undergo thorough validation through a comprehensive investigation by the Eastern Police District of the NCRPO, in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration and ISAFP.

A separate investigation will also be conducted to determine if there was negligence on the part of the concerned PNP territorial units.

The NCRPO stated that a comprehensive probe is ongoing, and if evidence warrants, appropriate charges will be filed against erring personnel of their partner agencies, following due process of law.