Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has mandated comprehensive probes into two serious allegations of misconduct involving police officers in Cebu City and Manila.
Cebu City Assault Caught on Camera
In Cebu City, a police officer faces allegations of physically assaulting a person with disability (PWD). The incident, which occurred in Barangay Labangon, began as a heated argument between the officer and the victim while both were riding motorcycles.
Security camera footage, which later went viral on social media, shows the officer getting off his bike and punching the victim, causing him to fall from his motorcycle in front of the barangay hall. Following the viral spread of the video, Nartatez directed Police Regional Office-Central Visayas Director Brigadier General Red Maranan to immediately relieve the involved officer from duty.
The officer has been placed under restrictive custody pending the outcome of the investigation.
Separate Rape Allegation in Manila
In a separate and equally grave case in Manila, a 27-year-old woman has accused a policeman assigned to the Manila Police District of sexual assault. The victim sought assistance from the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) after the alleged incident.
A medico-legal examination confirmed that the victim was raped. However, the suspect's legal counsel has stated that the police officer denies the allegation, claiming the encounter was consensual.
Evidence includes security camera footage from December 4, 2025, showing the suspect carrying an unconscious woman into a motel in Sampaloc, Manila.
PNP Leadership Vows Accountability
In a firm statement addressing both cases, Acting Chief Nartatez emphasized the PNP's commitment to integrity. "Any complaint against our personnel is taken seriously not only to uphold discipline but also to send a strong message to the Filipino people that we do not condone any action that compromises the integrity and professionalism of the Philippine National Police," he said.
Nartatez has ordered the immediate filing and close monitoring of both criminal and administrative cases against the officers involved. He assured the public that due process is being strictly followed.
"These two cases will be investigated, and if they are found liable, we will make sure that they will not only be dismissed from the service but will also face criminal charges," Nartatez declared. He added in Filipino, "Kung mapatunayang may pagkukulang o pag-abuso, mananagot ang sinumang pulis, anuman ang ranggo (If negligence or abuse is proven, any police officer will be held accountable, regardless of rank)."
