Cops in Pampanga police station relieved from their posts over April Fools prank

All personnel of Police Station 5 in Angeles City, Pampanga were relieved from their posts after participating in an April Fools prank video, according to a report on GMA News’ Unang Balita on Monday.

In the video, two uniformed personnel who introduced themselves as belonging to Police Station 5 were seen escorting a man to a patrol car.

It turned out to be just a prank and not a legitimate operation.

Administrative charges will be filed against the police for alleged violation of health protocols against the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, some individuals linked to an entertainment organization who were also involved in the prank will also face charges for a similar violation, according to the report.

GMA News has reached out to Police Station 5 and the entertainment organization but they refused to give a statement on the matter.

In a statement on Sunday, the Police Regional Office 3 said its director Police Brigadier General Valeriano de Leon will not intervene with the directive of Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin to relieve the involved personnel.

According to PRO3, the prank video which was posted on the social media page of SY Music Entertainment “showed an individual supposedly being apprehended by uniformed personnel using a PNP marked vehicle.”

De Leon ordered an investigation into the incident.

“We do not condone any misconduct and misdemeanor from our personnel especially this time of pandemic,” he said.

“We are serious and stern in the implementation of IATF guidelines and we even risked our lives to contain the widespread of the virus and their acts are unacceptable,” he added.

PRO3 said 17 individuals were involved in the prank video, among them five Korean nationals. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News