MANILA — Nine police officers in Navotas City accused of torturing two murder suspects have been relieved from their posts, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Among those removed was the chief investigating officer, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said during a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Without identifying the officers, Tuaño said they face charges of grave misconduct, serious irregularities in the performance of duty, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and violation of the Anti-Torture Act before the Internal Affairs Service (IAS).

“Sila ngayon ay mga relieved at nasa District Personnel Holdings and Accounting Unit of NPD (They have been relieved from their posts and are now under the custody of the District Personnel Holdings and Accounting Unit of the Northern Police District),” Tuaño said.

The IAS interviewed both the accused and the complainants last Thursday, while the National Police Commission (Napolcom) opened its own investigation the following day.

Lawyer Cid Stephen Andeza, counsel for the arrested murder suspects, said the alleged torture occurred inside the Navotas City Police Station Intelligence Section on Nov. 8. The two suspects were reportedly taken into custody in connection with a fatal shooting in Barangay Bangkalusi five days earlier.

Bacoor incident

In a related briefing, PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) director Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay said six of 14 police officers accused of ransacking a home in Bacoor City, Cavite, have surrendered to authorities.

“At around 1:30 p.m. of [Nov. 27], isa-isa nang nag-surrender ‘yung mga anim na at-large. By 5:40 p.m., kumpleto na sila. They were all delivered to my office at the headquarters,” Ragay said.

Eight officers, including the team leader allegedly involved in the rape of an 18-year-old online seller during the raid, were arrested on Nov. 23. The victim has filed administrative complaints against all 14 officers before the National Police Commission.

(PNA)