The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Thursday said it has launched a full investigation into an alleged physical assault and grave threats of a senior police officer against a patrolman at Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame in Quezon City.

The HPG said the incident occurred at around 8:30 p.m. on 16 December 2025, at the HPG parking lot inside the national police headquarters. 

Initial reports indicate that a Police Colonel, formerly chief of the Investigation Management Division (IMD), allegedly assaulted a Police Patrolman assigned to the Regional Highway Patrol Unit–NCR Intelligence Branch following a dispute over unauthorized parking.

According to the HPG, the alleged assault included kicking, pointing a firearm, and striking the patrolman on the head and upper lip with the butt of the gun. The patrolman sustained injuries that were later confirmed through a medico-legal examination.

In an ambush interview, PNP-Highway Patrol Group director Police Brigadier General Hansel Marantan, said he immediately ordered the documentation of the incident and the conduct of a thorough investigation.

“This is very unfortunate. We do not tolerate such acts, and this should not have happened. But it happened so my apology because of the inconvenience it brought you,” Marantan told reporters. 

“As HPG director… I have to be objective… We have submitted formal reports of our actions taken before the office of the chief PNP,” he added. 

As a precautionary measure, the police officer, identified as HPG investigation management division chief, Col. Helson Bragil Walin, was relieved from his post and reassigned to the Human Resource Management and Doctrine Development Division–Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (HRMDDD-PHAS). His service firearm was also surrendered and accounted for.

Marantan said the new IMD chief has been directed to determine probable cause and facilitate the filing of appropriate administrative and criminal complaints in accordance with NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002.

Administrative and criminal cases are expected to be filed “as soon as possible,” Marantan said, noting that the complainant has already undergone medico-legal examination and has executed initial statements. 

He added that restrictive custody may be imposed once formal charges are filed, stressing that due process will be observed.

The HPG director also confirmed that the police colonel admitted to pointing a firearm during the confrontation, an act that may constitute grave threats. 

“That is very obvious,” Marantan said, adding that criminal liability also carries corresponding administrative liability, which could result in dismissal from the service.

The alleged victim, in a brief interview, said the incident happened while he was walking inside the camp after attending to a vehicle with a tire lock. He claimed that the officer suddenly got out of his vehicle, loaded his firearm, pointed it at him, and kicked him.

“Bale siyempre tinututukan din niya ako and then as a part ko bilang tao din siyempre takot din ako gawa ng pamilya rin ako,” the patrolman said. 

He added that the encounter lasted nearly 30 minutes and involved verbal threats, punches, and kicks. 

He denied blocking the officer’s path and said they had no prior personal interaction.

Meanwhile, the HPG said allegations that the officer was under the influence of alcohol are still being verified, noting conflicting claims from both parties.

It likewise reaffirmed its “zero tolerance for abuse of authority, violence, and misconduct, regardless of rank or position,” and assured the public that discipline, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights remain paramount.

The HPG also appealed to the public to refrain from speculation and the spread of unverified information that could undermine the integrity of the investigation and prejudice those involved. 

Verified updates, it said, will be released through official channels. “The PNP-Highway Patrol Group remains steadfast in upholding public trust and safeguarding law enforcement integrity.”

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