A police officer assigned to the Malolos City Police Station in Bulacan was relieved from his post and placed under investigation after a viral video showed him allegedly assaulting his live-in partner during an argument inside their home.
Malolos City police chief Lt. Col. Rommel Geneblazo said the incident happened on March 12 but only gained public attention recently after video footage circulated online.
“He was disarmed of his issued firearms,” Geneblazo said during a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday.
The video showed the woman confronting the policeman over why he had allegedly turned off the location services on his mobile phone. Moments later, the woman appeared to slap the officer, who then allegedly responded by repeatedly punching her in the head and body, causing her to fall to the floor.
According to Geneblazo, the victim later told investigators that she had allegedly experienced a similar assault from the policeman on June 22 last year.
Police said the victim only recently decided to pursue charges after allegedly enduring repeated abuse.
“Based on our investigation, the incident stemmed from a quarrel after the policeman turned off his location services, which angered the victim,” Geneblazo said.
Authorities are now preparing criminal charges against the officer for alleged violation of Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the policeman will also face administrative proceedings that could lead to his dismissal from the service.
“Your days as a policeman are already numbered,” National Police Commission (Napolcom) vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said.
Calinisan said Napolcom would conduct its own administrative investigation and coordinate with the Philippine National Police regarding the criminal case.
“We will not allow any form of violence against women or against any person,” he said.
He also directed the Napolcom regional office in Central Luzon to coordinate with investigators and ensure that the victim receives proper assistance as authorities continue the case buildup.
“This is an open-and-shut case. Justice will be quick, as it should be,” Calinisan added.