Two police officers assigned to the Bacarra Municipal Police Station have been relieved from their posts pending administrative proceedings following allegations that one of them threatened a Catholic priest and allegedly cocked his service firearm during an incident at a residence in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, on 31 July.

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) confirmed that Police Master Sgt. Rely R. Vea Jr. allegedly threatened Fr. Arvin Mangrubang and his family, reportedly cocking his service firearm during the confrontation.

Police Cpl. Neil Jan A. Gayrama was also reportedly present during the incident.

In a statement, NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan said both officers have been relieved from the Bacarra Municipal Police Station and reassigned to the Provincial Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit while administrative proceedings are being prepared.

Calinisan commended NAPOLCOM Regional Office 1, headed by Regional Director George Aplas D. Daskeo, for its swift coordination with the Philippine National Police, which led to the officers’ immediate relief and reassignment.

“If the investigation establishes that violations were committed, NAPOLCOM will not hesitate to impose the appropriate administrative sanctions. There is no place in the service for abuse of authority, intimidation or any violation of the rights of our citizens,” Calinisan said.

Separately, the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) said it had taken cognizance of the complaint and the viral video circulating on social media involving the alleged misconduct.

The provincial office said it immediately directed the Bacarra Municipal Police Station to submit a detailed report and initiated its own investigation to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. Jasper Dawang

“The Ilocos Norte PPO does not tolerate any act of misconduct or behavior inconsistent with the core values and standards of the Philippine National Police. Should the investigation establish any violation of existing laws, rules or regulations, appropriate administrative and legal actions shall be taken against the concerned personnel,” the statement read.

Ilocos Norte Provincial Director Police Col. Jeomar Labiano also stressed that accountability would prevail regardless of rank.

The incident drew widespread public attention after videos of the confrontation circulated online, prompting calls for an impartial investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.