NAPOLCOM eyes motu proprio complaint vs 3 cops over alleged media violence

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The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) is preparing to file a motu proprio administrative complaint against three police officers over alleged violence against media personnel covering a farmers’ protest in Quezon City on October 19.

In a statement on Thursday, NAPOLCOM said its Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS) already completed its initial fact-finding investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident and identify the police officers involved.

“Media workers must be able to perform their duties safely and without fear of violence or intimidation,” NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan said.

“We expect our police officers to exercise their authority with strict professionalism, restraint, and utmost respect for human rights. Misconduct will not be ignored,” he added.

The incident happened outside the Department of Agrarian Reform - Central Office along Elliptical Road, where journalists covering the rally were reportedly subjected to physical force by police personnel.

Among the affected media workers was identified as Bulatlat reporter Aaron Ernest Cruz, who reportedly sustained injuries, an intern from the Altermidya Network, and a community journalist from TUDLA Productions.

NAPOLCOM said it is finalizing the formal administrative charges against the three identified police officers to ensure accountability under existing laws and commission rules.

The Commission stressed that the administrative proceedings would observe due process and ensure a fair and impartial resolution for both the complainants and the police personnel involved.

Bulatlat earlier strongly condemned the violence allegedly inflicted by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) cops against its reporter.

“Cruz identified himself as a member of the press and repeatedly showed his Bulatlat ID while policemen pushed and pulled him away from the protesters. His shirt was ripped, and his bag went missing,” Bulatlat said.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the QCPD about the matter but the police district has yet to provide a statement as of posting time. —VAL, GMA News