Administrative case filed vs 14 cops in rape-robbery case
An administrative complaint was filed on Tuesday before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) against 14 members of a Philippine National Police antinarcotics team based in Region 4-A (Calabarzon) who were earlier relieved of their posts after they were accused of rape and robbery.
The complaint was filed by the alleged rape victim identified only as “Nena,” her cousin “Stephen” and his partner “Dona.”
Aside from the administrative charge, the 14 law enforcers also face a complaint for robbery in band before the local prosecutor’s office, Bacoor City police chief Lt. Col. Alexie Desamito said in a press briefing.
The criminal complaint was filed on Monday, on top of a rape charge that was lodged by Nena against the leader of the police team.
Napolcom Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Calinisan told reporters the team was headed by a police lieutenant.
The PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PNP DEG) previously identified the operatives as members of the DEG under their Special Operations Unit Calabarzon (SOU 4A). However, it did not name them. A police report also did not identify the 14 police officers although it listed their ranks as lieutenant, master sergeant, five corporals and seven patrolmen.
According to Calinisan, if the Napolcom finds probable cause against the police officers in its preliminary probe, its Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service will file administrative cases against them before the Legal Affairs Service for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
No warrant
Stephen told reporters that the police team raided their house in Bacoor City on Saturday morning. He said the police officers, who were in civilian clothes and wearing face covers to hide their identities, did not introduce themselves or present a search warrant.
At the time, only he, Dona, Nena and their grandparents were at home. Stephen said the operatives were looking for Nena’s boyfriend, whom the PNP DEG said was a “high-value drug target.”
Nena, however, denied that her boyfriend was involved in the drug trade. She said he was arrested in 2019 for betting on a “cara y cruz” game only to be slapped later on with a drug charge.
When the police officers failed to find Nena’s boyfriend, Stephen said they forced open a room belonging to his uncle before telling him to go downstairs.
Dona claimed the police operatives told them to surrender their cell phones.
Nena said she was in her room when some of the police officers barged inside and started searching for “anything illegal.”
Cell phones, cash taken
“They found nothing so they told me that because they didn’t get anything illegal, they’ll just get me instead … They told me the team leader would take care of me,” she added.
At this point, Nena said the team leader told his operatives to leave the room and when they did, he raped her.
The police officers later left the house but Stephen said they took his cell phone as well as Dona’s on top of around P8,000 in cash from his uncle’s room.
Nena added that police officers also took her boyfriend’s shoes, money box, two gold rings, two motorcycle helmets and their motorcycle.
Eight of the 14 police officers, including the team leader, were arrested on Sunday at the PNP DEG SOU 4A’s office in Calamba City, according to Desamito. Six others remain at large.
Desamito said that he asked those already in custody some basic questions.
“[I asked them] ‘Did you conduct a police operation in Bacoor this morning?’ They admitted to it. ‘What happened? What was the result?’ They said they didn’t catch anyone. ‘Did you make a report?’ None. ‘Will you file cases against anyone?’ They said no,” he told reporters.
PNP DEG Director Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay earlier said he relieved the 14 police officers, in addition to their commander although he was not among those who took part in the operation. The police colonel, who was also not identified, was relieved on the principle of command responsibility.
