Delivery rider files complaint vs. 7 Manila cops over alleged unlawful arrest

A delivery rider on Friday filed an administrative complaint against seven Manila cops before the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) for his alleged unlawful arrest last September 9.

In a press conference, NAPOLCOM stated that the complaint pertains to grave misconduct, grave irregularity in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

The complainant said that in the afternoon of September 9, he was buying milk tea and met another delivery rider in Sampaloc when suddenly cops approached, cuffed their hands, and took them inside a vehicle.

According to him, the cops took their phones, gold ring, and motorcycle. Aside from this, the police officer also allegedly took P9,000 from his GCash account. 

“Sampong buwan ko pong iniipon yun para po sa isang taon ng anak ko pero kinuha lang po nila,” he said.

This was the time the cops identified themselves as uniformed personnel, according to the complainant.

“Tinatanggal po nila yung plaka nila pati po yung conduction sticker po ng sasakyan nila. Kaya ako po nagtataka na po ako bakit po ganun yung ginagawa nila,” he added.

According to him, the cops picked up their “chief” at the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters and they drove around different areas in Quezon City, Marikina City, and Rizal.

“Hindi ko na po alam kung ano po yung pwede mangyari sa amin dahil sinasabi po nila sa amin na isa-salvage daw po nila kami na hindi po namin alam ang dahilan,” he said.

According to the victim, the cops also hurt them.

The complainant said his sibling called his phone and the cops were able to talk to his sibling. The police personnel refused to tell where they were.

When they returned to Sampaloc and stopped at a food place, the victim said he was able to escape.

However, the other delivery rider was detained in an MPD facility, according to the victim.

Relieved

MPD acting director Police Brigadier General Arnold Abad ordered the relief of the District Drug Enforcement Unit (DDEU) personnel following allegations of extortion and misconduct by seven of its operatives, as directed by Mayor Isko Moreno.

The MPD noted that while the victims claimed extortion and illegal detention, the police report dated September 10 stated that the two men had been arrested over supposed drug-related charges.

“We will not tolerate any misconduct by its members. There will be no zero tolerance for erring personnel once proven; the trust of the community is non-negotiable,” Abad said.

NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Ralph Calinisan said a comprehensive and impartial probe is being carried out by the NAPOLCOM Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS). 

Calinisan pointed out the importance of hearing both sides to ensure fairness and uphold the principles of justice.

"The NAPOLCOM remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and justice within both the police force and public service, reinforcing its mandate as an oversight body of the Philippine National Police (PNP)," the Commission said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News