Several police officers from the Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO-3) have been stripped of their positions following a mistaken identity blunder during an operation in Baliwag City, Bulacan.
In an official statement released on Friday, PRO-3 Director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez disclosed that the incident occurred on Thursday during a follow-up operation conducted by local police personnel acting on leads tied to an active complaint.
”Upon realizing that the individual concerned was not the subject of the information being acted upon, the personnel immediately discontinued their engagement and left the area,” Mendez said.
Mendez pointed out that while police operations are frequently carried out under highly fluid and time-sensitive conditions, officers are still expected to exercise sound judgment, strictly adhere to established operational rules, and protect the rights and dignity of all citizens.
To ensure accountability and transparency, the regional police chief has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to verify if proper protocols were followed and to pinpoint any operational lapses that could lead to administrative penalties or corrective measures.
Mendez also confirmed that formal charges have already been filed against the police personnel involved.
Pending the results of the investigation, the officers followed standard procedure by voluntarily surrendering to their chief of police, after which they were immediately relieved from active duty and had their government-issued firearms confiscated.
While acknowledging that cases of mistaken identity can occasionally happen during legitimate police missions, Mendez reiterated that law enforcers must always be guided by professionalism, accountability, and due process.
”We assure the public that Police Regional Office 3 remains committed to transparency, professionalism and accountability as we continue to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the rights of every individual,” he said.