10 cops axed for beating up Navotas boy, 15

MANILA, Philippines — Ten personnel of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) were sacked from their posts and placed under restrictive custody in connection with the beating of a 15-year-old boy in Navotas City.

Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, said yesterday the police officers, assigned with the MG’s regional maritime unit in Navotas, are under investigation even if the victim and his parents have decided not to pursue charges.

“They are on restrictive custody because of that investigation,” Nartatez told reporters in an interview on the sidelines of the 122nd Police Service anniversary celebration at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

A report over News5 said the boy was beaten in Barangay North Bay Boulevard North on Aug. 25.

Police apprehended the teenager after he allegedly stole a cell phone.

“The kid or the minor was arrested by concerned citizens. He was turned over to the police because of a crime,” Nartatez said.

Based on the report the NCRPO received, Nartatez said the victim complained he was punched and kicked by police officers.

Police have coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development field office in Navotas, the city government and barangay officials about the incident.

Brig. Gen. Rizalito Gapas, Northern Police District director, said there were signs the boy was physically assaulted.

The next step, Gapas said, is to find out who among the police officers assaulted the teenager.

Gapas said whether the victim is involved in theft is another matter.

“The issue is that the boy was hurt,” he said in an interview aired over GMA News.