Robbery raps filed vs 9 Cavite cops

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Nine members of a drug enforcement unit of the Imus police in Cavite are facing robbery complaints for allegedly looting the house of a retired teacher during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Alapan 1-A on Aug. 2.

Robbery complaints were filed against the members of the anti-narcotics unit led by Maj. Alexes Tuazon before the Imus provincial prosecutor’s office on Wednesday.

An administrative case was filed before the Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police (PNP) against Tuazon and his men, who have been relieved from their posts.

The police chief of Imus, Lt. Col. Michael Batoctoy, was  also replaced under the principle of command responsibility.

A video that went viral showed the policemen forcibly entering the house of Rebecca Caoile, 67, and carrying several items from the house.

Two drug suspects were arrested and 20 grams of shabu were allegedly seized in the operation.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that while the operation was a legitimate drug sting, the policemen cannot ransack the house of the suspect. – Emmanuel Tupas