NAPOLCOM dismisses viral Bulacan cop over domestic abuse
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has dismissed Police Corporal Almar Jerome P. Dela Cruz from the service after finding him administratively liable for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer over the physical abuse of his live-in partner.
In its decision, the commission cited closed-circuit television footage, Dela Cruz’s statements acknowledging the physical altercation, and his public admission that his actions were wrong.
Records showed that on March 12, 2026, Dela Cruz repeatedly struck and punched his partner until she lost consciousness. The investigation also cited a previous incident in June 2025, when he allegedly kicked and verbally abused the same woman.
NAPOLCOM said the dismissal would stand despite the complainant’s subsequent filing of an affidavit of desistance, stressing that administrative proceedings are not automatically terminated by private settlements when substantial evidence establishes an officer’s liability.
“The uniform is not a license to hurt or abuse,” NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan said, emphasizing that police officers who commit violence betray both the people who trust them and the public they are sworn to protect.
“The badge is a symbol of duty, not immunity from accountability,” he added.
Aside from dismissal, Dela Cruz faces the cancellation of his police eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits except accrued leave credits, and perpetual disqualification from re-employment in any government office or government-owned or controlled corporation.
Calinisan also stressed that police officers remain subject to administrative scrutiny for their conduct even in their private lives.
“Even if you reach a settlement with your complainant, if you are not fit to be a police officer, we will not think twice about removing you,” he said, reiterating that fitness to wear the uniform is a continuing requirement.
NAPOLCOM said it would continue pursuing accountability for abusive personnel and strengthening integrity, discipline and gender-based accountability within the Philippine National Police.