Seventeen personnel from the Dolores Municipal Police Station in Eastern Samar have been removed from their posts after an image depicting a drinking session inside the police facility circulated widely online. The regional police command acted swiftly following the viral spread of the photo.
Immediate Relief Ordered by Regional Director
Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy, the regional police director for Eastern Visayas, mandated the immediate relief of the involved individuals. The group includes the station chief, 15 other uniformed policemen, and one non-uniformed employee. The incident occurred on December 15, as confirmed by regional police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Analiza Armeza.
In a statement to reporters, Armeza explained the initial findings. "Based on the initial report we received, the personnel were having a Christmas party at that time. So, they were drinking inside the police station," she stated. She emphasized that this activity directly violates established protocols and guidelines, which strictly prohibit consuming alcohol within police station premises.
Investigation Launched into Protocol Violations
An official investigation is now underway to determine the full extent of the violation. Lieutenant Colonel Armeza highlighted a critical detail: the majority of those involved were reportedly on official duty when the incident took place. This fact potentially compounds the severity of the infraction.
"After we received the report, an investigation was conducted," Armeza added. The Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas has publicly assured the community that it does not and will not tolerate any wrongdoing by its members. The office reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and accountability.
Accountability and Potential Penalties
The relief of the 17 personnel is an administrative step pending the outcome of the formal investigation. Armeza made it clear that appropriate penalties will follow if the investigation confirms the violations. "If it is proven that there was an error or violation of protocols by our involved personnel, there will be corresponding penalties," she asserted.
This incident underscores the ongoing efforts within the Philippine National Police to enforce internal discipline and maintain public trust. The swift action by the Eastern Visayas regional command signals a low tolerance for behavior that tarnishes the force's image and breaches operational standards.
