Daily TribuneThe commission stated that the investigation will proceed independently and transparently, in line with its mandate to exercise administrative control over the Philippine National Police.
(NAPOLCOM) Commissioner, lawyer Rafael Vicente Calinisan
Photo courtesy of RP1
The viral Pasig City fire volunteer formally filed a complaint Monday against a police officer whose berating of the volunteer sparked a National Police Commission (Napolcom) investigation.
Earl Joseph Lantin filed the administrative case against Police Cpl. Michel De La Paz before the commission’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service.
The move follows a widely shared video showing De La Paz shouting at Lantin during an encounter in Marikina City.
Napolcom commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan said the commission had already launched a motu proprio investigation before the formal filing.
He stressed that while De La Paz has been relieved of his post and reassigned to the Marikina Police Headquarters Support Service holding unit, the disciplinary process is far from over.
“To be clear: a police officer’s accountability does not end with immediate relief,” Calinisan said. “As the ‘Police of the Police,’ it is our duty to ensure that every officer is worthy of wearing the uniform and carrying the badge.”
The commission stated that the investigation will proceed independently and transparently, in line with its mandate to exercise administrative control over the Philippine National Police.
Calinisan noted that respect for civilians and fellow public servants, particularly volunteer firefighters, is a non-negotiable standard of the profession.
“The mandate of the police is clear: to serve and protect the people at all times,” Calinisan said.
