NAPOLCOM files raps vs. cop in viral gun-toting incident


Analy Labor
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Monday presented Police Corporal Henry Torres Boquida Jr., who is facing administrative and criminal complaints after a viral video allegedly showed him threatening a civilian with a firearm while reportedly intoxicated in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.
NAPOLCOM Commissioner Ralph Calinisan said he ordered a motu proprio investigation and directed the agency's Regional Office 9 to coordinate with the Police Regional Office 9 in pursuing administrative charges of Grave Misconduct and Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer against Boquida.
The regional office is handling the administrative investigation, while PRO-9 is investigating the criminal aspect of the case.
The alleged victim, Elmer Bancairen, has filed a criminal complaint for grave threats against Boquida.
Calinisan also disclosed that the police officer is facing a separate criminal case involving alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act.
He stressed that law enforcers must exercise greater responsibility in carrying firearms.
"Ang pagdadala ng baril ay may kaakibat na malaking responsibilidad. Kung may dapat maging maingat sa paggamit nito, iyon ay ang ating kapulisan," Calinisan said.
The commissioner also reminded the public that NAPOLCOM accepts complaints against police officers even if incidents do not go viral, emphasizing that the commission remains committed to holding erring personnel accountable through a fair and impartial process.