Nine police officers in Navotas City — including the chief investigating officer — have been relieved from their posts amid accusations they tortured two murder suspects to force confessions, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Monday.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño confirmed that the nine officers are facing charges of grave misconduct, serious irregularities in the performance of duty, conduct unbecoming of a police officer and violation of the Anti-Torture Act before the Internal Affairs Service (IAS).
“They have been relieved from their posts and are now under the custody of the District Personnel Holdings and Accounting Unit of the Northern Police District,” Tuaño said.
The IAS commenced its investigation and interviewed the accused officers and the complainants last Thursday, while the National Police Commission (Napolcom) opened a parallel probe the following day. Tuaño disclosed that the officers were served subpoenas on 27 November.
Reports said that the alleged torture incident took place inside the Navotas City Police Station Intelligence Section office on 8 November, according to lawyer Cid Stephen Andeza, counsel for the arrested murder suspects.
The two suspects, who were allegedly taken into custody in connection with a fatal shooting in Barangay Bangkalusi five days earlier on 3 November, were reportedly coerced to sign an extrajudicial confession.
One of the suspects, identified only as “Dave,” claimed he was hit with a heavy object and lost consciousness, later realizing the assault continued. The suspect’s mugshot reportedly showed gauze covering the top of his head.
However, Navotas City Police chief Col. Renante Pinuela has denied the allegations, saying that police had nothing to do with the suspect’s injuries.
In a related development concerning police conduct, PNP Drug Enforcement Group director Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay provided an update on the 14 police officers accused of ransacking a home in Bacoor City, Cavite.
Ragay reported that the six officers who had been at large surrendered to authorities on 27 November.
“At around 1:30 p.m. of 27 November, the six who were at large began surrendering one by one. By 5:40 p.m. they were all accounted for,” Ragay said, adding they were delivered to his office at the headquarters.
Eight of the 14 officers had already been arrested on 23 November. This group included the team leader, who is accused of raping an 18-year-old online seller during the raid.
The victim has filed administrative complaints against all 14 officers before the National Police Commission.