Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged rape and physical abuse involving officers assigned in Manila and Cebu. PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Directors of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas to relieve the two involved and place them under restrictive custody.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Gen. Nartatez emphasized the seriousness of any complaint against police personnel, highlighting the importance of maintaining discipline and integrity within the force. He assured the public that these cases would be thoroughly investigated, and if the officers are found liable, they will face dismissal and criminal charges.
An initial probe revealed that the 27-year-old victim sought help from the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption after an alleged sexual assault by a Manila Police District officer. A medico-legal examination confirmed that the victim was raped, though the suspect's lawyer denied the allegation, claiming that the encounter was consensual. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage reportedly showed the suspect carrying an unconscious woman into a motel in Sampaloc on Dec. 4, 2025.
In Cebu, the initial investigation indicated a separate incident involving a police officer and a victim, both on motorcycles. After a heated altercation, the officer allegedly punched the victim, a person with disability, upon reaching the village hall in Barangay Labangon. This incident was also captured on CCTV footage, which subsequently went viral on social media.
Nartatez directed the immediate filing of both criminal and administrative cases against the involved police officers. This action aligns with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who stress accountability within law enforcement ranks. Nartatez assured the public that due process is being observed and that administrative and criminal proceedings will take their course.
