Manila: Philippine National Police PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the immediate start of legal proceedings against a police corporal caught on video allegedly pointing a firearm at a civilian in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez condemned the actions of the police officer, who was assigned to the Sapang Dalaga Municipal Police Station in Misamis Occidental. He stated that the behavior displayed in the viral video is a betrayal of the badge and the trust citizens place in law enforcement officers. The officer's actions were characterized as a misuse of authority, with Nartatez emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for such conduct within the police force.
The incident reportedly took place at approximately 8:30 p.m. on June 21 at a neighborhood store in Barangay Antipolo, Dapitan City. CCTV footage that circulated widely on social media captured the police corporal allegedly pointing a firearm during an altercation with a civilian. In response to the incident, the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office relieved the officer from his duties and placed him under restrictive custody at the Police Provincial Office, disarming him while the investigation is ongoing. A criminal complaint has been filed with the Dapitan City Prosecutor's Office.
Nartatez has instructed relevant units to expedite the administrative and criminal proceedings with urgency. In addition, the National Police Commission has initiated an independent investigation into the matter. It has been disclosed that the police corporal is also facing other administrative and criminal cases, including alleged violations of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, as well as a criminal case pending before the Family Court in Dapitan City.
Nartatez reiterated the commitment to pursue full administrative accountability and has directed a review of personnel management policies, recommending stricter measures for officers involved in violence-related cases. He assured that the PNP will uphold the law and will not protect those who violate it.
