Three cops face admin and criminal raps on alleged maltreatment of a minor
THREE Davao Occidental 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) officers were relieved from their posts as they face a criminal charge for allegedly maltreating a boy who sought their help last June 22.
As of this writing, TIMES has yet to receive the names of the three personnel involved in the incident.
In an interview on Tuesday, Major Catherine Dela Rey, the newly designated spokesperson of Police Regional Office XI, said they were reassigned to the Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) as the administrative cases are ongoing.
On June 19, a video post circulated on social media showed the minor recounting his experience at the hands of the suspects who allegedly maltreated him by pouring chili vinegar or sinamak on his genitals.
He sought police assistance from his abusive father when the incident occurred.
The statement from the Davao Occidental Police Provincial Office said, “It is unfortunate that the image and integrity of our 1st PMFC, as well as the whole Davao Occidental Police Provincial Office command, is put in a bad light.”
The provincial police director immediately issued relief and restriction orders on the three PMFC personnel allegedly involved in the incident.
He directed an investigation, and on June 22, the police filed a case against the three for violating Republic Act 7610 or Special Protection against Child Abuse before the Davao Occidental Provincial Prosecutors Office.
The three respondents were directed to submit their counter-affidavits within ten days of receiving the charge.
As to the administrative charge, the Provincial Internal Affairs Service Davao Occidental also conducted its moto propio investigation, given the publicity it generated and its effect on the overall image of the force.
“Notwithstanding, the incident is considered isolated. It does not reflect the general disposition of conduct of all the uniformed men and women of the DOcPPO,” it added. “DOcPPO maintains its commitment to the rule of law and accountability before the public it serves and vows not to tolerate any wrongdoing of its personnel.”
