Earl Joseph Lantin, a volunteer firefighter in Pasig City, has formally filed a complaint against Police Corporal Michel De La Paz before the Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS) of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) following a viral video showing the officer berating him during an incident in Marikina City.

NAPOLCOM Chief Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan said the Commission had already launched a motu proprio investigation immediately after the video surfaced. He added that the formal complaint ensures a comprehensive, impartial, and transparent determination of administrative accountability.

While P/Cpl. De La Paz was promptly relieved from his post and placed under the Holding Unit of the Marikina Police Headquarters Support Service (HSS), Calinisan emphasized that this action is only the beginning of the accountability process.

“Para malinaw: ang pananagutan ng pulis ay hindi natatapos sa agarang pagre-relieve,” Calinisan said.

(“To be clear: a police officer’s accountability does not end with immediate relief from duty.”)

“Bilang Pulis ng Pulis, tungkulin naming tiyakin na ang bawat pulis ay karapat-dapat magsuot ng uniporme at magbitbit ng badge,” he added. \

(“As the police of the police, it is our duty to ensure that every officer deserves to wear the uniform and carry the badge.”)

The Commission stressed that its investigation will proceed independently, impartially, and thoroughly, in line with its constitutional mandate to exercise administrative control and operational supervision over the Philippine National Police.

Calinisan reiterated that respect for civilians and fellow public servants is non-negotiable and central to police professionalism.

“Dapat igalang ang ordinaryong mamamayan, lalo na ang mga kapwa lingkod-bayan gaya ng ating mga volunteer firefighters. Ang mandato ng pulis ay malinaw: maglingkod at magprotekta sa sambayanan, sa lahat ng oras,” he said.

(“Ordinary citizens must be respected, especially fellow public servants like our volunteer firefighters. A police officer’s mandate is clear: serve and protect the public at all times.”)

NAPOLCOM reaffirmed its commitment to uphold discipline, integrity, and public trust in the police service, stressing that only officers who consistently meet the highest standards of conduct deserve to remain in uniform.