8 cops face raps for alleged robbery in Pasig

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday that eight police officers are under investigation for alleged robbery during an anti-illegal drug operation in Pasig City.

In a statement, the PNP said the eight members of the Eastern Police District have been placed under restrictive custody and disarmed of their service firearms.

“Let this serve as a stern warning—hindi na uubra ngayon sa Bagong PNP ang ganitong klaseng kalakaran (this kind of practice will no longer be tolerated under the new PNP),” said PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Nartatez.

According to the National Capital Region Police Office, the suspects allegedly entered a residential house in Barangay Palatiw on December 26 while searching for a suspected drug personality.

Residents later reported that the officers allegedly took personal belongings from the house.

Initial verification showed that the suspects failed to present official documents to prove the legitimacy of the anti-drug operation.

The drug suspect was also taken into police custody and brought to the Pasig City Police Station for inquest proceedings.

“There is no place in the PNP for abusive and criminal police officers. Whether rank-and-file or officer, kapag napatunayang nagkasala, lalabas sila sa organisasyon (if proven to be liable, they will be dismissed from the police organization),” Nartatez said.

He also urged the public to report any form of police abuse through established hotlines and local police desks.—MCG, GMA Integrated News