The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the filing of criminal and administrative cases against a police corporal caught on video allegedly pointing a firearm at a civilian in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the incident, which went viral on social media, warrants immediate legal action and internal disciplinary proceedings.
Authorities said the police officer, assigned to the Sapang Dalaga Municipal Police Station in Misamis Occidental, has already been relieved from his post and placed under restrictive custody while undergoing investigation.
The incident reportedly occurred around 8:30 pm on June 21 at a neighborhood store in Barangay Antipolo, where CCTV footage showed the officer allegedly brandishing and pointing his service firearm during an altercation.
Nartatez strongly condemned the behavior, saying it violates police standards and erodes public trust.
He described the act as a “betrayal of the badge,” stressing that intimidation of civilians by uniformed personnel will not be tolerated under his leadership.
The PNP chief said he has directed concerned units to expedite both criminal and administrative proceedings with urgency.
The complaint has already been endorsed to the Dapitan City Prosecutor’s Office, while the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office has taken custody of the officer and disarmed him pending investigation.
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has also launched a motu proprio inquiry into the incident.
Authorities said the officer is already facing separate administrative and criminal complaints, including a case under Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, with an existing matter pending before the Dapitan City Family Court.
PNP leadership said the case underscores ongoing efforts to tighten internal discipline and ensure accountability among personnel, particularly in incidents involving alleged abuse of authority.
Officials reiterated that no officer will be shielded from liability as investigations proceed.