The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has ordered the dismissal of seven police officers from Caloocan City in connection with the illegal arrest and detention of a man whose son subsequently died of leptospirosis after searching for him.

Napolcom vice chairperson Ralph Calinisan announced the decision Wednesday, stating that the commission reached a unanimous ruling to terminate all officers involved after finding them guilty of “grave misconduct, grave dishonesty, incompetence, oppression and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.”

The case involves Jayson dela Rosa, who was picked up in Caloocan in July for alleged theft and held for days without being properly processed or presented to his family.

His young son, Dion Angelo “Gelo” dela Rosa, reportedly contracted leptospirosis after wading through flooded streets for three days in search of his father.

Gelo dela Rosa died on 27 July from cardiac arrest caused by the disease. His father was released on 2 August.

The dismissed officers include two ranking officials — Capt. Romel Caburog and Sub-Station commander Lt. Jeffren Aganos while the five other officers are Master Sgt. Ryan Candelario, Staff Sgt. Stephen Somlani, Staff Sgt. Dawin Indiongco, Staff Sgt. Rodolfo King Bautista and Cpl. Marvin Resumadero.

“The findings reveal a clear abuse of power and a blatant disregard for due process and human rights. Such actions have no place in the police service,” Calinisan said.

The man, Jayson dela Rosa, accompanied by Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, filed the administrative complaint with Napolcom on 18 August.

“This is a strong message that abuses in the ranks of the PNP will not be tolerated,” Calinisan said, stressing the commission’s firm mandate to remove errant personnel.

“We owe it to the public to ensure that the Philippine National Police upholds professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rule of law,” he added.