The National Police Commission has launched an administrative investigation into a Bulacan policeman caught on video allegedly assaulting his live-in partner, even as the officer publicly apologized for the incident on Wednesday.
Police Corporal Jerome Pingol Dela Cruz issued the apology after he and his partner were presented to the media by Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan.
“I apologize to everyone affected by the incident involving me and my partner,” Dela Cruz said.
The policeman, who had earlier been relieved from his post in Malolos City, admitted that hurting his partner was wrong and said there was “no justification” for his actions.
“I also apologize to the members of the PNP who were dragged into this issue,” he added, saying the incident placed the police organization in a bad light.
Dela Cruz also apologized to Napolcom and said he hopes he and his partner would eventually settle the issue.
The incident, according to Malolos City police chief Rommel Geneblazo, happened on March 12, although the video only recently spread online.
The viral footage allegedly showed the victim confronting Dela Cruz after noticing that the location services on his phone had been turned off.
The woman was later seen slapping the policeman before he allegedly responded by repeatedly punching her in the head and body, causing her to collapse to the floor.
Geneblazo said the victim also alleged that a similar assault occurred on June 22 last year.
Calinisan said Napolcom has already initiated a motu proprio investigation against Dela Cruz and directed the agency’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service to immediately pursue the appropriate administrative case.
He stressed that the investigation would continue regardless of Dela Cruz’s apology or any possible withdrawal of the complaint by the victim.
“It will have no effect. The case against him will continue,” Calinisan said, noting that the policeman is already facing a criminal complaint filed by the Philippine National Police.
“The victim has also filed an administrative case here at Napolcom,” he added.
Calinisan said the agency could proceed with its probe even without a formal complainant because the evidence, including the video, was already publicly available.
“We already have evidence. The video is there, it cannot be denied. There is also an admission and he even said sorry,” he said.
He emphasized that Napolcom cannot tolerate acts of violence by police officers, particularly against women.
“Appropriate action must be taken to prevent similar incidents,” Calinisan said.