Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday said the arrest of convicted former police officer Rafael Dumlao III sends a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of rank, position or previous authority.
Remulla made the statement after Dumlao, a former police lieutenant colonel, was arrested at around 5 am in Brgy. Pasong Tamo, Quezon City, based on a court-issued warrant.
Dumlao was convicted for his role in the 2016 kidnapping and killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo.
“This morning’s operation is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to enforce the law and implement court decisions,” Remulla said during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
“The PNP acted in accordance with its mandate and the arrest sent a strong message that nobody is above the law, regardless of rank, position, or former authority,” he added.
Remulla said the operation reflected the commitment of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to accountability and institutional integrity.
He said Dumlao’s previous position in the police organization did not shield him from arrest.
“Whether you were a former PNP chief or a former police officer, that is not a consideration. Even though Dumlao was one of their own, he was not put above the law,” Remulla said.
“The institution is above everything else. We are protecting the institution. The institution did not protect him and is not protecting the other ones,” he added.
Remulla also said the Jee case should serve as a reminder of the consequences of abuses committed under the cover of law enforcement operations.
“The killing of Jee Ick-joo, ito yung resulta ng abuso sa tokhang. Kasi ang ginawa sa kanya, kinatok lang sa pintuan at sabi, it was a drug raid. Kinuha siya, which turned out to be a kidnapping,” he said.
“Yung tokhang kasi gave too much license to the PNP operatives to do things at their whim without the process of law,” he added.
Remulla said Dumlao’s arrest was carried out in accordance with legal procedures and with respect for his rights.
“Ginawa namin na lahat according to law. We did not violate any procedure. We read him his rights. We did not hurt him,” he said.
With Dumlao already convicted, Remulla said authorities would now proceed with the implementation of the court’s judgment. He said the court would determine Dumlao’s place of detention once the warrant is returned.