NAPOLCOM probes off-duty cop in Tondo basketball brawl

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The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) is investigating the alleged involvement of an off-duty police officer in a brawl during a basketball game in Tondo, Manila last September 27.

A young player was reportedly placed in a headlock during the altercation, according to a report on GMA News’ Unang Balita on Wednesday.

The mother of another minor who was involved in the incident alleged that the police officer punched and choked her son.

However, the cop earlier told barangay officials that he did not hurt anyone and only tried to intervene and break up the fight.

In a statement on Tuesday, NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said he directed the Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS) to coordinate with the Manila Police District (MPD).

Four people were injured in the incident, including two minors.

Calinisan said the commission will establish the facts and ensure that anyone found to have violated the law or police standards is held accountable, in accordance with due process.

“Hindi dahilan ang pagiging off-duty para makaiwas sa pananagutan. Ang bawat pulis ay inaasahang maging tagapagtanggol ng mamamayan, hindi dahilan ng kanilang takot,” he said.

(Being off-duty is not an excuse to evade responsibility. Every police officer is expected to protect the people, not cause their fear.)

“Bilang Pulis ng Pulis, tungkulin ng NAPOLCOM na tiyaking walang pang-aabuso o iregularidad ang palalampasin. Lalo na kung mga bata ang nasaktan, dapat manaig ang katotohanan at hustisya,” he added.

(As the Police of the Police, it is the duty of NAPOLCOM to ensure that no abuse or irregularity is tolerated. Especially when children are harmed, truth and justice must prevail.) —AOL, GMA News