NCRPO cites lapses in foreigner’s arrest in Pasig

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Friday clarified reports surrounding the alleged abduction of a Chinese national by armed individuals in camouflage uniforms in Pasig City.

In a statement, the NCRPO said the incident was, in fact, a coordinated operation to arrest the Chinese national for alleged violations of immigration laws.

However, the NCRPO acknowledged that initial investigations—conducted with partner agencies—revealed significant operational lapses.

“More particularly, it appears that the coordination made was not in accordance with the standard and prescribed procedures,” the NCRPO said.

The operation was reportedly carried out by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), under a mission order targeting the Chinese national.

In Marisol Abdurahman’s report in “24 Oras,” the BI said that the operation targeted a 32-year-old Chinese citizen who reportedly used a Philippine passport and registered as a Filipino citizen. 

“The BI also received reports from government intelligence authorities that he owns a financial holdings company with 47 subsidiaries and 97 real estate properties, some of which are located near critical national infrastructure,” the BI said. 

“Government intelligence sources have flagged his presence and activities as a potential threat to national security…,'' it added. 

The Chinese man will be charged with undesirability for falsely presenting himself as a Filipino, the BI said. 

The NCRPO also noted that some operatives used excessive force, including the indiscriminate and unjustified discharge of firearms. It added that there was evidence indicating the severity and impropriety of some of the operatives' actions.

“Naka-recover po ang SOCO natin ng mahigit 28 cartridge ng .56 mm rifle po,” said NCRPO regional director Police Major General Anthony Aberin in the 24 Oras report. 

(Our SOCO team recovered more than 28 cartridges of .56 mm rifle.) 

“Wala man lang sinabi na ‘legitimate operation ito’ o dumaan man lang sa nearest police station para hindi kami nababahala,” Aberin added, noting that they want to avoid any possible misencounter. 

(They did not inform us that ‘this is a legitimate operation’ or went to the nearest police station so we will not worry.) 

An investigation is underway to assess whether there was negligence on the part of the involved PNP territorial units.

“A comprehensive probe is ongoing and should pieces of evidence warrant, we will file appropriate criminal charges against the erring personnel of our partner-agencies, following due process of law,” the NCRPO said. — with Vince Angelo Ferreras/DVM/VBL, GMA Integrated News