LAOAG CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) here has started its internal cleansing operation as three cops complained of police brutality in San Nicolas town were disarmed and relieved from duty.
Senior Superintendent Melencio Nartatez Jr., Ilocos Norte Police chief, confirmed this Thursday as PO2 Bryan Riga, PO2 Kevin Jared de Castro and PO1 Bernand Balbal were transferred from the San Nicolas police station to Camp Valentin S. Juan, this city for disciplinary action.
Earlier, an 18-year-old bachelor filed a complaint against the San Nicolas police for allegedly threatening and humiliating him as he was found roaming around the street during curfew hour.
Based on the report of the complainant who requested not to be identified in the media, he was picked by a police patrol car and threatened while inside. After that, the policemen allegedly asked him to take off his clothes and use it to cover his head. Then, they let him walk naked along the highway and fled away.
In view of this, an administrative charge is now being prepared against the three policemen.
When sought for comment, Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos said police scalawags should never be tolerated and should be rectified immediately.
Other misbehaving cops assigned in various parts of Ilocos Norte are also being investigated for appropriate action. Leilanie Adriano/PNA-northboundasia.com