NAPOLCOM orders dismissal of 7 Caloocan cops over death of leptospirosis victim

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Wednesday said seven cops in Caloocan City will be dismissed from the service in connection with the death of an altar boy who contracted leptospirosis after he waded through floods searching for his detained father.

“We decided all those involved in this Caloocan incident will be dismissed from the service,” NAPOLCOM Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Ralph Calinisan said in a press conference.

In September, NAPOLCOM filed administrative charges against the seven cops in Caloocan City for grave misconduct, grave dishonesty, incompetence, oppression, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

During the height of heavy rains due to the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and successive tropical cyclones, Dion dela Rosa waded through flooded streets for three days in search of his father, Jayson, who did not return to their home in Malabon on July 22.

Amid their search, the family on July 24 asked assistance from the Caloocan police, but they denied having any record of Jayson. The Caloocan police said Jayson was arrested only on July 25. 

Dion also, on July 25, found his father in detention.

Jayson was detained at a police substation after he was arrested allegedly for playing kaya y krus (coin toss).

On July 27, Dion suffered a fever and body aches. He was later found dead after a cardiac arrest due to leptospirosis.

His father, Jayson, was released from detention only on August 2. —VAL, GMA Integrated News