Dismissal from the service awaits six policemen assigned to the Manila Police District after they were accused of robbery inside a hotel in Makati City, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Thursday, 29 January.

According to NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin, the erring policemen—a police sergeant and five rookie cops—were arrested on Wednesday, 28 January, in a follow-up operation based on the complaint of the victim.

“These police scalawags are now detained and will be criminally charged with airtight cases to ensure conviction. They will also face administrative charges, which will result in their dismissal from the service the soonest possible time and in accordance with proper procedures,” said Aberin.

Police investigators were told by the victim that armed men barged inside his hotel room in Makati City after a night out in Malate, Manila. The armed men then pointed a gun, forced him to lie on the ground, tied his hands, and forcibly took his belongings before fleeing on motorcycles.

The NCRPO chief said the station commander of the Malate Police Station and all members of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit were already relieved from their posts.

Aberin added that the policemen will undergo an in-depth investigation to determine possible violations.

All Metro Manila policemen were reminded by Aberin to behave and stick to their mandate of serving and protecting the people. “To NCRPO personnel: Commit a crime and you will be removed from the service and languish in jail. NCRPO has no place for criminals.”