National Police Commission (Napolcom) investigators are due to press administrative charges against three policemen who reportedly assaulted three media workers during a recent rally in Quezon City.
The Napolcom’s Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS) has completed its initial fact-finding investigation into the incident that occurred outside the Department of Agrarian Reform Central Office last October 19.
The three media workers were covering the rally when they were reportedly subjected to physical force by the policemen.
They included Bulatlat reporter Aaron Ernest Cruz who sustained injuries, an intern from the Altermidya Network, and a community journalist from Tudla Productions.
“Administrative charges will be formally filed against the three identified personnel,” Napolcom said in a statement on Thursday, referring to the IMIS filing of the charges before the Napolcom’s Legal Affairs Service.
Napolcom said the formal charges against the policemen are being finalized to ensure they are held administratively accountable under existing laws and commission rules.
It reiterated that due process will be observed in the administrative proceedings, ensuring a fair and impartial resolution of the case.
Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan assured the public that the commission will not tolerate any misconduct in the police force.
“Media workers must be able to perform their duties safely and without fear of violence or intimidation,” Calinisan said.
“We expect our police officers to exercise their authority with strict professionalism, restraint, and utmost respect for human rights. Misconduct will not be ignored,” Calinisan also said.