Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has approved the relief of the district director of Metro Manila’s Eastern Police District (EPD) over what he described as a failure of leadership that led to the involvement of eight policemen in the P85 million robbery case in Las Piñas City on April 2. 

Aside from EPD director Brig. Gen. Villamor Tuliao, also relieved from posts are 30 other policemen, including the entire District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) where the eight policemen are assigned.

“This is no longer just about rogue officers—it is a failure of leadership. When discipline collapses, it begins at the top. Leaders will be held to the highest standards of accountability,” said Marbil.

The eight policemen are now detained at the Las Piñas City custodial facility after they were charged with robbery, serious illegal detention, illegal arrest and kidnapping before the Department of Justice.

The eight policemen stormed the house of a foreign businessman in an exclusive subdivision in Barangay Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City, using an arrest warrant against two Chinese nationals.

The initial investigation revealed that the eight policemen used the arrest warrant for other purposes as it was disclosed that around P85 million worth of cash and jewelry were taken from the Chinese businessman who does not fit the identity of those named in the arrest warrant.

Around P12 million cash were recovered from the eight cops but they claimed that the money will be used as evidence as the Chinese businessmen allegedly tried to bribe them.

The other cash in different denomination and currencies and jewelry have not been recovered.

The eight involved policemen are now detained after they were charged with robbery, illegal arrest, serious illegal detention and kidnapping. They are also facing administrative cases that could lead to their dismissal. (photo: NCRPO)

Marbil said he already directed the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to conduct a full, thorough, and impartial investigation. Administrative and criminal charges will be pursued against all involved.

And once the guilt is established, Marbil said there will be no second chances against the eight policemen and the other cops who may be involved in the incident. 

“Those involved must be summarily dismissed from the service and permanently disqualified from holding any position in government. If the director is found liable under the principle of command responsibility, he will never be trusted with any position of leadership again,” said Marbil. 

Anomalies 

In the conduct of the initial investigation, National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) chief Anthony A. Aberin noted some glaring discrepancies that are considered as violation of the police operational procedures.

First, he said the group of policemen did not coordinate with the Southern Police District which has direct peace and order supervision and control over Las Piñas City. The areas under the EPD are Marikina, Pasig, San Juan and Mandaluyong City. 

Second, the operating unit was not headed by an officer but a non-commissioned officer.

Third, the operating unit did not use either a body-worn camera or alternative recording device during the conduct of the operation.

And fourth, the Chinese businessman does not fit the picture and even the description of the person in the arrest warrant. 

“Based on the initial result of the investigation, I am convinced that they have a different purpose in going to the house of the Chinese businessman,” said Aberin.

Warning 

Marbil said the relief of the EPD director should serve as a stern warning to all police commanders nationwide.

“Let this serve as a clear and final reminder. If you cannot uphold discipline and instill integrity within your ranks, then you have no place in this organization. Command responsibility is not a slogan—it is a mandate,” said Marbil.

He also extended the same warning to all the policemen: “The badge you wear is not a shield for abuse—it is a symbol of public trust. Betray that trust, and you will be removed, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”