PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday ordered a thorough investigation into a case involving four policemen who figured in a “hulidap” or extortion in Taguig City.
“Any allegation of police misconduct deserves a thorough and impartial investigation,” Nartatez said, referring to the incident that occurred last October 6 in Barangay Lower Bicutan.
The PNP said the policemen claimed they tried to arrest a 24-year-old man in the area after receiving a complaint against him for allegedly using illegal drugs.
The policemen claimed they left the area after residents mobbed them while attempting to arrest the suspect.
However, the victim’s family reported that the policemen accused the victim of being a member of a robbery, the PNP added.
“The man resisted and called for help, prompting nearby residents to intervene,” the PNP said in a statement on Sunday.
The four policemen were ordered relieved from their posts by the National Capital Region Police Office, along with their sub-station commander.
“We will ensure that the facts are established and that anyone found to have violated the law or police procedures is held accountable,” Nartatez said.
“The PNP will not allow the authority entrusted to our personnel to be used against the very people they are sworn to protect. Accountability is essential to maintaining public trust, and no one is above the law,” Nartatez also said.
Nartatez ordered concerned police units to submit a comprehensive report, detailing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The PNP chief also urged the public to report to authorities any misconduct involving policemen so these can be investigated properly.
Nartatez maintained that the public deserves police officers who serve with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the law.
“We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed police misconduct to report it through proper channels so that every complaint can be investigated fairly,” Nartatez also said.