Napolcom dismisses 7 cops for illegal detention
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has ordered the dismissal of seven Caloocan police officers over the illegal arrest and detention of Jayson dela Rosa, whose case drew public attention when his son died of leptospirosis after wading through floodwaters to visit him in jail.
Napolcom Vice Chair and Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Calinisan announced the ruling on Wednesday, saying they unanimously agreed to remove the police officers from the service during deliberations held last weekend.
The seven were identified as Capt. Romel Caburog, Lt. Jeffren Aganos, Police Master Sgt. Ryan Candelario, Police Staff Sgts. Stephen Somlani, Darwin Indiongco and Rodolfo King Bautista, and Corporal Marvin Resumadero.
In September, administrative charges of grave misconduct, grave dishonesty, oppression, incompetence and conduct unbecoming of a police officer were filed against them over the alleged illegal detention of Dela Rosa.
Strong message
“This is a strong message that abuses in the ranks of the PNP will not be tolerated,” Calinisan said in a press briefing in Quezon City.
He was joined by Caloocan Bishop Virgilio “Ambo” David and Napolcom Legal Affairs Service acting director Mylene Eguilos-Caluya.
Dela Rosa was initially picked up in Caloocan in July for shoplifting. Although the establishment he supposedly robbed decided not to file charges, the police kept him in detention for days without being properly processed or presented to his family. He was later charged with illegal gambling.
Dela Rosa’s son, Dion Angelo, an altar server, went looking for him and after finding him in prison, brought him food, all while wading through floodwaters. He later contracted leptospirosis which killed him.
Bishop David welcomed the ruling, calling it a “positive development” for accountability in government agencies.
‘Positive development’
“The poor are often bullied,” he said. “But here we see that the system works. Civilian authority over the armed forces is a mark of a stable democracy.”
David also thanked church volunteers, including Caritas Caloocan, for supporting the Dela Rosa family. He noted that the charges against the victim were later proven false.
“If only the father had been produced immediately, if only the proper process was followed, he wouldn’t have stayed in the dirty water for three days,” he said.
David added that families must always be notified when someone is arrested—a basic human right.
Calinisan said the ruling shows the Napolcom’s firm stance against abuses in the police service, adding that every complaint filed before the commission will be thoroughly evaluated.
“The commission remains firm in its mandate to cleanse the police service of erring personnel,” Calinisan added. “We owe it to the public to ensure that the Philippine National Police upholds professionalism, integrity and respect for the rule of law.”
