Marikina city: The chief of police of Marikina City has been relieved from his post amid the investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a female cop by two of her colleagues. In a press briefing on Monday, Eastern Police District (EPD) director Brig. Gen. Aden Lagradante stated that the investigation will determine if the relieved official, Col. Geoffrey Fernandez, was negligent in his duties as city police chief.

According to Philippines News Agency, the investigation aims to establish whether Col. Fernandez was remiss in overseeing his personnel. Lagradante emphasized that Col. Fernandez was administratively relieved pending the investigation. "When we say he is under investigation, we'll investigate if the chief of police is remiss in his function or of his duties in overseeing his personnel," Lagradante said. Furthermore, the substation commander of the two accused officers has also been removed from his position.

The investigation is described as "extensive" by Lagradante and will scrutinize the roles and responsibilities of the suspects' colleagues, team leaders, chief supervisor, sector commander, station commander, and even the Women and Children Protection Desk. "Tinitignan natin doon if may mga deficiency in terms of how they manage 'yung team nila (We are looking into possible deficiencies in how they manage their team)," the EPD chief explained.

Reports reveal the alleged incident occurred on August 17 when the suspects, identified as a patrolman and a staff sergeant, purportedly picked up the victim while she was on duty, inviting her for coffee. The victim was allegedly molested inside a police mobile along a jogging lane in the city. The two suspects are currently confined at the EPD Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU) and are facing administrative charges, acts of lasciviousness, and violation of Republic Act 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law. Meanwhile, the victim has been provided with professional counseling and debriefing.