The National Police Commission has launched an administrative investigation against Police Corporal Henry Torres Boquida Jr. after a viral video allegedly showed him threatening a civilian with a firearm while intoxicated in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.
NAPOLCOM Commissioner Ralph Calinisan presented Boquida during a press briefing on Monday and said the commission immediately took cognizance of the incident to show that abuses by police personnel would be met with swift administrative action.
Calinisan said he ordered a motu proprio investigation and directed NAPOLCOM Regional Office 9, led by Regional Director Pablito M. Abad Jr., to coordinate with the Police Regional Office 9 in pursuing administrative charges against Boquida.
The police officer is facing possible charges for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
NAPOLCOM said its regional office is handling the administrative investigation, while PRO 9 is dealing with the criminal aspect of the case.
The victim, Elmer Bancairen, has also filed a criminal complaint for grave threat against Boquida.
Calinisan said Boquida is also facing an earlier criminal case before NAPOLCOM involving alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
The commissioner said the incident highlights the need for responsible firearm use, especially among police officers.
“Ang pagdadala ng baril ay may kaakibat na malaking responsibilidad. Kung may dapat maging maingat sa paggamit nito, iyon ay ang ating kapulisan,” Calinisan said.
“Nanumpa kayo to serve and protect the people, hindi manakot o gumamit ng dahas laban sa kanila,” he added.
Calinisan said the case should serve as a warning to police personnel to be more careful and responsible in the use of their firearms.
“This is a signal to all our policemen to be more mindful and circumspect in the proper use of their firearms,” he said.
He assured the public that NAPOLCOM remains open to complaints against abusive police personnel, even if the incidents do not go viral.
“Hindi kinakailangang maging viral muna ang isang insidente bago kami kumilos. Araw-araw kaming nagbabantay, nakikinig, at handang umaksyon sa bawat reklamong idinudulog sa amin,” Calinisan said.
The commission said it would continue to hold erring police officers accountable while ensuring that administrative proceedings are fair, impartial, and in accordance with due process.