Two cops in Manila, Cebu probed for abuse allegations

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered an investigation on the allegations of sexual abuse involving a cop in Manila and a case of physical abuse by a police officer in Cebu.

An officer from the Manila Police District is alleged to be the suspect caught on CCTV carrying an unconscious woman into a motel in Sampaloc, Manila last December 4. 

The PNP said the 27-year-old victim sought assistance from the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption. A medico-legal examination confirmed that the victim was raped. But the cop involved denied the allegations and claimed the encounter was consensual. 

Meanwhile, initial investigation showed that the police officer in Cebu and the victim, who is a person with disability, were both riding their motorcycles when they figured in a heated altercation. 

When the two reached the barangay hall of Barangay Labangon, the cop allegedly punched the victim, which caused him to fall from his motorcycle, the police added. 

Following the incidents, PNP acting chief Lt. General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the National Capital Region Police Office and the Police Regional Office 7 to relieve the said cops and place them under restrictive custody. 

“These two cases will be investigated and if they are found liable, we will make sure that they will not only be dismissed from the service but will also face criminal charges,” he said. 

“We assure the public that due process is being strictly observed, and that administrative and criminal proceedings will take their course. Kung mapatunayang may pagkukulang o pag-abuso, mananagot ang sinumang pulis, anuman ang ranggo (If any negligence or abuse is proven, any police officer will be held accountable, regardless of rank),” Nartatez added. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News