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'Mistaken identity?' 4 Bulacan cops relieved after erroneous arrest of businessman
Philippines
National
'Mistaken identity?' 4 Bulacan cops relieved after erroneous arrest of businessman
'Mistaken identity?' 4 Bulacan cops relieved after erroneous arrest of businessman
Published Jul 17, 2026 11:59 am
At A Glance
- Four police officers from the San Rafael Municipal Police Station, including their station commander, were relieved after a businessman in Baliwag, Bulacan accused them of trying to force him into a vehicle without presenting an arrest warrant or other legal documents.
- Police said the operation appeared to be a case of mistaken identity. The officers were conducting a follow-up operation linked to a complaint but allegedly realized they had approached the wrong person and left the area.
- PRO-3 has ordered a full investigation and filed appropriate charges against the involved officers. Their firearms have been secured and they will remain relieved from their posts while authorities determine if operational procedures were violated.
Four police officers from the San Rafael Municipal Police Station, including their station commander, were relieved from their posts after a businessman in Baliwag, Bulacan accused them of trying to force him into a vehicle without presenting an arrest warrant on July 16, 2026. Police said the operation was later found to be a case of mistaken identity and remains under investigation. (Courtesy of PNP)
Four police officers from the San Rafael Municipal Police Station in Baliwag, Bulacan – including their station commander – were relieved from their posts after a local businessman accused them of attempting to force him into a vehicle without a warrant on Thursday, July 16.
The Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO-3) said the incident is now under investigation after investigators said the operation appeared to have been a case of mistaken identity. The PRO-3 has yet to release the identities of the relieved cops as of this writing.
According to the complaint, a businessman, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, was approached by four men who introduced themselves as police officers while he was at his establishment in Baliwag.
The complainant alleged that the officers tried to force him into a red vehicle but he refused because the group allegedly failed to present an arrest warrant or any document that would justify taking him into custody.
Employees of the establishment responded and prevented the officers from taking the businessman.
Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, regional director of PRO-3, said the officers were carrying out a follow-up operation based on information linked to a complaint that was under investigation.
“Initial findings indicate that the incident appears to have stemmed from a case of mistaken identity during the conduct of police verification activities,” Mendez said.
The businessman, however, claimed he was never the person being sought by the police. The investigation later pointed to an error in the identity of the target.
“Upon realizing that the individual concerned was not the subject of the information being acted upon, the personnel immediately discontinued their engagement and left the area,” Mendez said.
He said the incident does not excuse police officers from complying with operational procedures.
“While police operations are often conducted under dynamic and time-sensitive circumstances, all police personnel are expected to exercise sound judgment, strictly observe established operational procedures, and respect the rights and dignity of every individual in the performance of their duties,” he stressed.
Cops under scrutiny
Due to the incident, Mendez said he has ordered a review to determine whether the officers complied with police operational guidelines.
“To ensure transparency and accountability, I have directed the concerned units to conduct a thorough review of the incident to determine whether all applicable operational guidelines and protocols were properly observed and to identify any procedural lapses that may warrant appropriate action or corrective measures,” he said.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the four officers have been removed from their assignments.
“To preserve the integrity of the investigation and ensure accountability, appropriate charges have been filed against the involved personnel. They voluntarily surrendered to their Chief of Police and have been relieved from their posts pending the outcome of the investigation,” he said.
“Their issued firearms have likewise been secured as part of standard procedures while the incident remains under review,” Mendez stated.
The police official said mistaken identity may happen during legitimate operations but stressed that due process should never be set aside.
“While cases of mistaken identity may occasionally arise during legitimate police operations, professionalism, accountability, and respect for due process must always remain at the forefront of police service in order to maintain public trust and confidence in the organization,” he said.