Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Friday ordered the immediate filing of administrative and criminal charges against a police corporal filmed pointing a gun at a civilian in saorte.

Nartatez condemned the actions of the officer, who was assigned to the Sapang Dalaga Municipal Police Station in Misamis Occidental.

The PNP chief said the swift action aligns with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla to enforce strict accountability and discipline within police ranks.

“The actions displayed in the viral video are a complete betrayal of the badge and the trust our citizens place in us,” Nartatez said. “We hold our officers to the highest standards of professional conduct.”

“There is no room in the PNP for anyone who uses their position to intimidate or threaten the very public we are sworn to protect. I have zero tolerance for such display of arrogance,” Nartatez added.

Reports disclosed that the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on 21 June at a neighborhood store in Barangay Antipolo, Dapitan City. Closed-circuit television footage shared widely on social media showed the officer pointing a firearm at a civilian during an argument.

Following the incident, the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office relieved the corporal from his post, placed him under restrictive custody, and confiscated his service firearm. Local authorities have endorsed a criminal complaint to the Dapitan City Prosecutor’s Office.

“I have directed the concerned units to expedite all administrative and criminal proceedings with the highest sense of urgency,” Nartatez said.

The National Police Commission also launched an independent investigation into the incident. The commission revealed the corporal is already facing prior administrative and criminal cases, including allegations of violating Republic Act No. 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act.

That case is pending before the Family Court in Dapitan City.

“We are not just looking at a suspension,” Nartatez said. “We are pursuing the full measure of administrative accountability.”

Nartatez also ordered a review of personnel management policies, calling for stricter interventions for police officers facing domestic and interpersonal violence allegations.

“We will let the law take its course,” Nartatez said. “But make no mistake, the PNP will not shield those who violate it.”