NAPOLCOM orders discipline vs Dolores police over viral drinking photos

TACLOBAN CITY — The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has ordered the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO) to impose disciplinary action against personnel of the Dolores Municipal Police Station who were found drinking inside the police station, as shown in photos that went viral on social media.

NAPOLCOM Chief Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said his office will also closely monitor developments in the case as the investigation into the incident continues.

The viral photos first appeared on the social media page of Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders, a local association of journalists and media workers in the region, on 16 December. The images purportedly showed 16 police personnel and one non-uniformed individual engaged in a drinking session inside the police station.

In a report to its central office, NAPOLCOM Regional Director Risty Sibay said the incident occurred on 15 December, during the police station’s Christmas party.

The report stated that some personnel were drinking outdoors but, due to inclement weather, transferred inside the police station premises. The viral photos were reportedly taken at the station’s receiving area.

Following the incident, the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas ordered the relief of the personnel involved, including Chief of Police PCapt. Angelyn Glou Cortado.

The relieved personnel were temporarily reassigned to the Provincial Holding and Accounting Unit of the ESPPO pending the outcome of the investigation. Replacement personnel were immediately designated to ensure the continuous and uninterrupted operation of the police station.

Calinisan directed ESPPO Provincial Director PCol. Ernesto Macasil to impose appropriate disciplinary measures against those involved in accordance with NAPOLCOM rules and guidelines, and to submit a report detailing the status and results of the actions taken.

He also reminded Macasil to ensure that all personnel under his jurisdiction strictly comply with NAPOLCOM and Philippine National Police regulations, particularly those prohibiting drinking while on duty or within police premises, and to consistently uphold discipline and propriety in the performance of official duties.