By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
Ten police officers in Angono, Rizal were relieved and placed under restrictive custody for allegedly arresting a criminology student over a falsified drug charge.
In a statement Wednesday, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 4A said the 10 were temporarily placed under the custody of the Administrative Holding Section of the Rizal Police Provincial Office pending the result of the investigation.
PRO-4A said it will conduct its own internal investigation to determine the accountability of those involved and to ensure that due process is strictly observed.
The 10 officers are facing an administrative complaint for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) lodged on Tuesday by the victim.
Police claimed the arrest stemmed from a buy-bust operation at around 10:00 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2025, but closed-circuit television footage showed the complainant was intercepted at 5:00 p.m. while riding a motorcycle.
The complainant alleged he was coerced into admitting involvement in the illegal drug trade and asked to pay P50,000, which his family sent via e-wallet.
Despite the payment, a criminal case was filed against the complainant, which the prosecutor later dismissed, citing inconsistencies between the arresting officers’ affidavits and statements from the village watchmen and media representatives.
Napolcom Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the Commission will act decisively and has directed the Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service to immediately investigate the complaint.
Calinisan identified the officers as a police captain, a police chief master sergeant, two master sergeants, five staff sergeants, and a police corporal, all with the municipal police’s anti-drug unit.
PRO-4A affirmed its support and pledged cooperation for Napolcom’s investigation.
