No room for abuse: 9 cops in viral 'warrantless' Taguig City raid sacked from their posts

Metro Manila police chief Brig. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin ordered on Tuesday, Feb. 8, the relief of nine policemen tagged in the viral video of a raid on a house in Taguig City.
Aberin said all of those involved were already sacked from their posts, including the immediate supervisor, after allegations of abuses and the absence of a search warrant when the operation was conducted.
“A comprehensive but swift investigation is ongoing to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the case, identify police personnel who abused their authority, police procedures violated and to institute more effective measures to avoid these kinds of incidents in the future,” said Aberin.
“We reiterate: the NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) does not and will not tolerate any misconduct or abuse of power by any member of the police force. Strict adherence to the police procedures and observance of the rule of law are non-negotiable and any transgression will be dealt with severely,” he added.
In the viral video, policemen were seen entering a house in Taguig City on Feb. 9 and manhandling some of the occupants.
In the same video, there was an allegation that the CCTVs installed in the houses were being destroyed and that the policemen have been doing thbe warrantless raids on a weekly basis.
Aberin said the relief of the nine Taguig City personnel was aimed at ensuring an impartial investigation into the incident.
He added that the firearms of the personnel involved in the operations were also deposited to their unit assignments.
“Those who would be found abusing their authority and committing violations of the Police Operational Procedures will be dismissed from the service, demoted or suspended, depending on the result of the investigation, strictly observing due process of law for all parties involved,” said Aberin.
He said criminal cases will also be filed based on availability in coordination with private complainants.
“There is no room for abuse in NCRPO and we will ensure that justice will be served. NCRPO assures the public of our strong and uncompromising adherence to the rule of law, transparency and professionalism,” said Aberin.