MANILA, Philippines — Five police personnel, including a substation commander, have been relieved from their posts following a viral video of an alleged extortion attempt involving a 24-year-old man in Taguig City.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered an investigation into the Oct. 6 incident, directing the National Capital Region Police Office to determine whether the officers abused their authority or violated police procedures.
The man’s family alleged that the police personnel accused him of being a robbery group member, handcuffed him and tried to force him to go with them.
The man resisted and called for help, prompting residents to intervene.
The police officers reportedly claimed that they were responding to a complaint about a person using marijuana in Barangay Lower Bicutan and left after residents confronted them.
Nartatez said the Taguig police substation commander was also relieved to ensure an impartial probe.
He ordered a comprehensive report on the attempted apprehension and the personnel’s compliance with police operational procedures.
The PNP said those found to have violated police rules would be held accountable.