14 police commanders in Metro Manila under probe

MANILA, Philippines — Fourteen police commanders in Metro Manila are being investigated following a series of inspections that uncovered operational lapses and violations, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said yesterday.

The commanders, with the ranks of police majors and captains, reportedly failed to supervise their personnel who committed infractions during Red Teaming Operations conducted over the weekend under the directive of NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin.

The inspections, part of the NCRPO’s intensified internal monitoring under its “Triple-A Policy Strategy” and “Five Reminders,” covered all police districts in Metro Manila.

Among the violations found were unmanned police assistance desks, abandoned outposts, improper single postings, use of mobile phones while on duty and lack of police presence in high traffic areas, particularly those frequented by foreign nationals.

“Discipline begins at the top. I expect police commanders to be present, aware and accountable for their men,” Aberin said in a statement.

The NCRPO said police chiefs found to be remiss in their supervisory duties would be removed from their posts, subject to due process.

Patrol officers who violated deployment protocols or were found misusing their phones while on duty are also under investigation.

To prevent a gap in police presence in the metropolis, Aberin ordered the deployment of junior officers from mobile units to fill the vacated posts.

“Let this serve as a warning: complacency and failure of supervision will be met with the heaviest penalties,” Aberin said.

He said the initiative aligns with the Philippine National Police’s “back to basics” program wherein discipline, accountability and visibility are seen as key pillars of effective law enforcement.