Photo Courtesy: Altermidya
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) is preparing to file a formal motu proprio administrative complaint against three police officers following reports of violence against media personnel during a farmers’ protest outside the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Office along Elliptical Road on October 19, 2026.
Following direct instructions from Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan, the NAPOLCOM Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS) completed its initial fact-finding steps today to establish the circumstances of the incident and identify the specific officers involved. Administrative charges will be formally filed against the three identified personnel.
The investigation stems from reports that journalists covering the demonstration were subjected to physical force by uniformed police officers. Affected media workers include Bulatlat reporter Aaron Ernest Cruz, who reportedly sustained injuries, along with an intern from the Altermidya Network and a community journalist from TUDLA Productions.
“Media workers must be able to perform their duties safely and without fear of violence or intimidation,” emphasized VCEO Calinisan. “We expect our police officers to exercise their authority with strict professionalism, restraint, and utmost respect for human rights. Misconduct will not be ignored.”
With the preliminary inquiry concluded, NAPOLCOM is finalizing the formal charges against the three officers to ensure they are held administratively accountable under existing laws and commission rules.
The Commission stresses that all administrative proceedings will adhere strictly to due process, ensuring a fair and impartial resolution for both the complainants and the police personnel involved, reinforcing NAPOLCOM’s commitment to police accountability and public trust. ###
