NAPOLCOM probe cops in alleged Bacoor robbery-rape

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Monday announced its investigation into the cops who allegedly raped and robbed an 18-year-old girl in Bacoor City, Cavite.

“We moved without delay,” NAPOLCOM chief commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said in a statement.

“Even before the full details were released publicly, NAPOLCOM already deployed investigators to ensure that an impartial and thorough probe is conducted. We will not allow even a single day of inaction when the integrity of the police service is at stake,” he added.

A total of 14 cops were involved in the said operation of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 4A.

According to Calinisan, a four-man investigative team has been deployed to Bacoor City to independently assess the circumstances and establish administrative liability.

NAPOLCOM is now coordinating closely with police units on-site to secure all necessary documents, evidence, and statements to expedite the fact-finding process, the Commission added.

Citing initial reports, NAPOLCOM said the police operation in question “had no coordination, no documented authorization, and no record of any legitimate police activity at the time.”

These raise serious administrative and operational concerns, according to NAPOLCOM.

If the investigation establishes probable cause, administrative charges will be filed against the cops including grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

This could lead to the dismissal of the implicated cops from the service.

NAPOLCOM commended the Bacoor City Police, Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Headquarters Support Unit, and Regional Mobile Force Battalion for the arrest of the eight rogue officers and recovery of stolen items.

Six of the involved cops remain at large. Four of them are already planning to surrender.

“The public deserves a police force they can trust. And we will not allow the actions of a few to tarnish the dedication of the many good, honest, and hardworking police officers," Calinisan said.

According to NAPOLCOM, the victim is set to file a complaint at the Commission’s office on Tuesday.

In a press briefing, PNP Drug Enforcement Group acting director Police Brigadier General Elmer Ragay said four of the six cops still at-large have sent surrender feelers.

“Update lang po kasi alam naman natin walo 'yung nakuha kahapon, six are at large. Four of them are sending in feelers for possible voluntary surrender. Pinipilit pa po natin ma-account silang lahat," he said. 

(Just an update because we know that eight were captured yesterday, six are at large. Four of them are sending in feelers for possible voluntary surrender.)

A total of 15 police personnel of the PDEG Special Operation Unit 4A have been relieved from their posts, including their commander over command responsibility.

The commander allegedly filed a leave from November 25 to 28 but already left his duty as early as November 22.

According to Ragay, the 14 cops supposedly conducted an anti-illegal drug operation but the subject was able to escape from the police.

The cops allegedly arrested the girlfriend of the drug suspect and raped her.

In a statement on Sunday, Philippine National Police (PNP) stressed that it does not tolerate abuse, misconduct, and other actions that undermine public trust and that it will impose “swift and appropriate consequences” against erring police officers.

“The organization maintains zero tolerance for abuse, misconduct, or any action that undermines public trust. Personnel who perform with dedication, honesty, and honor will be duly recognized and rewarded,” PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez earlier said.

“Conversely, those who deviate from these standards will face swift and appropriate consequences under the law,” he added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News