The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Tuesday filed an administrative complaint for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against a Taguig City policeman accused of sexually harassing an 8-year-old girl.

The complaint was filed against Police Cpl. Michael Jo Aure Nogales, who is assigned to Sub-Station 4 of the Taguig City Police Station.

NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan announced the filing during a press briefing.

According to the complaint, the alleged incident occurred on 21 June 2026, when Nogales approached the child and allegedly told her, "Puwedeng pakiss sa pisngi! Mas maganda ka pa sa asawa ko," before repeatedly caressing her face without her consent.

The complaint said the incident left the child feeling intimidated, uncomfortable, and embarrassed.

Calinisan said the case highlights the need not only to hold erring police officers accountable but also to strengthen the screening of police applicants.

"This case should compel us to look beyond punishment and focus on prevention," he said.

He said he had directed Commissioners Josephus G. Angan and Beatrice Aurora A. Vega-Cancio to review the agency's recruitment system and submit recommendations to strengthen the screening process.

"Hindi natin dapat hintayin na makapasok sila sa serbisyo bago natin matuklasan na hindi sila karapat-dapat magsuot ng uniporme. Habang aplikante pa lamang sila, kailangan na silang salain nang mabuti," Calinisan said.

He also called on criminology schools, educators, the Professional Regulation Commission, and the public to help ensure that only applicants who are physically, mentally, emotionally, and morally fit are admitted into the police service.

Calinisan likewise urged victims of police misconduct to report abuses directly to NAPOLCOM.

"Kung may sinuman na inaabuso ng pulis, huwag kayong matakot na lumapit sa NAPOLCOM. Maaari kayong dumulog sa alinmang tanggapan namin o magpadala ng inyong reklamo sa aming opisyal na mga komunikasyon," he said.

He stressed that the commission's actions are intended to protect both the public and the integrity of the Philippine National Police.

"Hindi ito laban sa Philippine National Police. Buo ang tiwala namin sa napakaraming matitinong pulis na tapat na nagsisilbi sa bayan. Ang laban natin ay laban sa iilang scalawag na sumisira sa dangal ng kanilang hanay," Calinisan said.