Nartatez assures justice will be served in alleged police abuse in Cavite operation

Following the alleged involvement of several police officers in a case of robbery and sexual assault against a Grade 9 student in Bacoor, Cavite, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been directed to intensify its investigation, according to acting PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.

“I have already directed the RD, CALABARZON to relieve, account and place under restrictive custody all those involved in the operation while the investigation is ongoing,” PLTGEN Nartatez said in a mix of English and Filipino.

The acting chief stressed that the alleged “horrendous acts” are strongly condemned by the PNP, adding that any police officer found guilty will be treated as a criminal.

“The Philippine National Police does not condone and tolerate this kind of behavior within its ranks. Those who would defy our operational procedure and would act as criminal elements should be treated as such,” he said.

Based on the initial investigation, a team from the PNP Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit in CALABARZON conducted an operation in Bacoor. They were later accused of violating police operational procedures and breaking the law.

As of press time, eight of the involved individuals have been accounted for, while six remain at large.

According to PLTGEN Nartatez, he has directed the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) to accelerate the investigation and fast-track administrative proceedings should the abuses be proven.

Furthermore, he said he has assured the victim’s family that he will personally monitor the progress of the case and commit to dismissing the officers involved once guilt is established.

“I assure the family of the complainant that I will personally monitor the progress of the investigation. Once it is established that they violated the law, summary dismissal proceedings will immediately start to dismiss them from the service,” Nartatez said.

“In the meantime, let us allow due process to take its course. And my instruction is clear: to conduct an immediate investigation and I want the result in the soonest possible time,” he added.