The Manila Police District (MPD) has launched a parallel investigation into the alleged robbery (hold-up) involving six police officers assigned to the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of the Malate Police Station, following their arrest in a hot pursuit operation on Wednesday night, Jan. 28.
MPD District Director Brig. Gen. Arnold E. Abad said the investigation is being conducted through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Investigation Management Division (CIDG-IMD) to ensure impartiality and accountability.
Named as suspects were Police Staff Sgt. Mark Louie Dela Cruz Saupan and Patrolmen Marcial Onayan Mariñas, Edernor Cuevas Valencia, Mark Allen Ruben Viaña, Aeron Paul Villasis Joves, and John Vasti Bonagua Virtudes.
The incident allegedly occurred at around 8:10 p.m. on Jan. 28 and involved personnel of the Malate Police Station along A. Mabini Street, Malate, Manila. The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Makati City Police Station and were positively identified by the victims, police said.
The MPD said it has already secured all pertinent documents related to the case, including the SDEU coordination form dated Jan. 28, notices to explain issued to the arrested personnel and their immediate supervisor, and the relief orders covering the station commander and all members of the SDEU of Police Station 9.
All relieved personnel are currently undergoing investigation.
“We assure the public that erring police officers will not be tolerated. Appropriate charges will be filed, and this matter will be elevated to the proper authorities,” Abad said.
The MPD reiterated its commitment to internal cleansing and maintaining public trust, stressing that no one is above the law within the organization.