A police officer has been expelled from the service after the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) found him liable for grave misconduct in connection with a rape case that sparked widespread outrage online, while clearing his co-accused for lack of evidence.
In a decision issued by the NAPOLCOM en banc, it ordered the dismissal of Patrolman Joshua Mendoza after determining that substantial evidence pointed to his involvement in sexually assaulting a victim who was unconscious and unable to give consent. The ruling cited a combination of eyewitness accounts, medico-legal findings, CCTV footage, and the consistent testimony of the complainant.
According to the commission, Mendoza’s actions constituted a serious violation of Republic Act No. 8353 or the “Anti-Rape Law of 1997,” underscoring that the offense involved clear intent and a blatant disregard for both the law and the ethical standards expected of police officers.
The decision described the misconduct as a form of moral corruption that renders Mendoza unfit to remain in the police force, warranting the ultimate administrative penalty of dismissal.
In contrast, Patrolman Jehan Mendoza, who was also named in the complaint, was cleared after investigators found no substantial evidence linking him to the incident. The commission stressed that administrative rulings must be grounded on verified proof, not speculation or unsupported allegations.
NAPOLCOM Commissioner Atty. Ralph Calinisan condemned the incident in strong terms, saying acts of sexual violence, particularly against an unconscious victim, have no place in law enforcement and represent a betrayal of public trust.
He emphasized that the commission remains firm in its stance to remove abusive officers from the ranks and hold them accountable, warning that such behavior undermines the integrity of the entire police institution.
NAPOLCOM reiterated that police officers are bound by the highest standards of discipline and respect for human rights, adding that public office demands accountability not only in official duties but also in personal conduct.