Caloocan city: Three police officers in Caloocan City are under scrutiny after being accused of fabricating a gambling case against two individuals. The charges come in the wake of a tragic incident involving the death of a 20-year-old student, who reportedly succumbed to leptospirosis while searching for his detained father during heavy rain.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a press conference held at the Northern Police District (NPD) headquarters, Caloocan City chief of police Col. Joey Goforth announced that a perjury complaint had been filed against the three officers, including the commander of Police Substation 2. The officers have since been relieved from their duties. The student's father, Jayson Dela Rosa, along with another suspect, Manuel Jazul, was detained at the Caloocan City Police Substation 2 in July.

Col. Goforth detailed the charges, stating, "We charged them with perjury, the commander, the official. Perjury by direct inducement. Perjury to the two officers. Arbitrary detention for detaining the victim for several days. And incriminatory machination for filing a wrong case."

According to Goforth, Dela Rosa was first apprehended for theft at a convenience store, but the store chose not to press charges. Similarly, Jazul was arrested for allegedly entering a private residence, but the homeowner declined to file charges. Subsequently, the police charged both men with illegal gambling.

NPD Director Brig. Gen. Jerry Protacio emphasized the need for accountability, stating that detainees must be released if no case is filed within the legal time limits. He assured, "We would like to assure the public that our personnel who will commit the same violations would be made accountable for this type of violation of policies of the national police... We will file and send erring police officers to prison."

Protacio also reported that he has ordered the removal of detention cells at the police sub-stations in Caloocan. Further actions have been initiated as Dela Rosa lodged an administrative complaint last Monday before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) against the three officers and two additional personnel from Caloocan City Police Substation 2.