CAVITE – Nine police officers involved in an alleged ransacking incident in Imus City were relieved from their duties and placed under investigation on Monday, August 7.

Screenshot of CCTV video from BRABO News Facebook page

A CCTV footage that went viral online shows several men in civilian clothes forcibly opening the door of a house and tinkering with items from a motorcycle compartment. They were also seen carrying wheel-shaped items and bags containing unknown objects from the house into a parked vehicle outside.

Screenshot of CCTV video from BRABO News Facebook page

In a statement, the Cavite Police Provincial Office (PPO) said the nine police officers in question were members of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of Imus City Police Station.

They reportedly conducted an anti-illegal drug operation in the area that resulted in the arrest of a street-level individual and a cohort. Confiscated during the operation were 20 grams of suspected “shabu” with an estimated street value of P136,000.

Upon receiving a report about the alleged ransacking, Imus CPS Chief Lt. Col. Michael D. Batoctoy informed the Cavite PPO and ordered the police officers to explain. Batoctoy also requested for the immediate relief of the team so as not to influence the investigation.

Cavite PPO Director Col. Christopher F. Olazo ordered the re-assignment and temporary recall of all issued firearms, pending the result of the  investigation and the filing of appropriate administrative and criminal charges.

The team was reassigned to the Provincial Administrative and Resource Management Unit.

In a statement, Olazo reminded police officers to strictly follow the Philippine National Police Operational Procedures and adhere to the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.