PNP probes alleged harassment by Cebu cops to civilians

April 28, 2019

The Philippine National Police on Saturday said they are now investigating the harassment of some six Cebu cops in civilian clothes against certain individuals and which are now circulating on social media sites.

"We assure the public that we will get to the bottom of this," PNP spokesperson Colonel Bernard Banac said in a statement.

He reiterated that they would never "tolerate" PNP personnel who could be involved or have committed illegal acts.

"We will never tolerate it, especially now that the PNP is serious in its internal cleansing program. They will be slapped with both administrative and criminal charges, if evidence warrants," he said.

Banac said in the conduct of their law enforcement operations, they always adhere to the rule of law, obey prescribed standard operating procedures, and respect human rights.

In a 7-minute CCTV footage posted last April 20 online, around six alleged police officers from Police Station 8 of Talamban in Cebu City wearing civilian clothes and armed with long firearms were seen harassing some civilians.

In the video, two peole were lying on the ground while one was begging at the alleged officers.

The owner of the post said they were all shocked when the policemen barged into their place.

"My cousin did not do anything... they (police) don't have warrant (of arrest) and they did not recover any drugs. These cops were evil as they harass all persons they arrest," he said in a caption.

Police Station 8 refused to answer when sought for comment regarding the incident. Ella Dionisio/DMS