The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a formal investigation following allegations that two police officers harassed a pair of female criminology interns at a police facility in Cagayan de Oro City.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that the implicated officers—a police captain and a police corporal attached to Police Station 7 in Barangay Bulua—have been disarmed and transferred to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office while proceedings are underway.
The alleged misconduct occurred on August 8, targeting two 21-year-old criminology students who were completing their on-the-job training at the precinct.
“We take these allegations seriously. The PNP will ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly, promptly, and without interference, and that appropriate administrative and criminal charges will be pursued if the allegations are substantiated,” Nartatez stated in an official issuance on Tuesday.
The Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines (PCAP) previously indicated its intent to initiate legal proceedings that could result in the revocation of the officers’ professional licenses.
Reaffirming the law enforcement agency’s stance against misconduct, Nartatez emphasized that organizational standards will be strictly upheld.
“We will not tolerate any abuse of authority or conduct that violates the dignity and rights of our interns, civilians, or fellow personnel. Those found responsible will be held accountable,” he added.
The PNP chief directed the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) alongside the Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) to execute concurrent investigations. If proven, the charges may constitute grave misconduct and lead to dismissal from service.
Furthermore, protective measures have been implemented to safeguard the complainants against potential intimidation or reprisal during the process.