TAGUIG CITY – Ten police officers, including the commander of Tipas Police Substation, have been relieved from duty for allegedly serving an illegitimate search warrant and extorting money from a family in Taguig City.
CCTV Footage Exposes Irregularities
According to a GMA Integrated News report, CCTV footage showed the officers, dressed in civilian clothing, forcefully entering a store and presenting a supposed search warrant to a woman. The woman had previously been charged with illegal drug offenses but was acquitted in 2022.
Taguig City Police Chief Colonel Joey Goforth confirmed that no legitimate warrant existed for the operation.
“Based on our investigation and after speaking with the victim, we found that the police officers had no warrant or legal authority to enter the house,” Goforth stated.
The officers were also caught pushing and grabbing family members and allegedly destroying CCTVs during their unauthorized operation.
Alleged Extortion and Physical Abuse
The family claimed the police demanded ₱25,000 for the release of a previously arrested relative. When they failed to pay, the brother remained in detention.
One family member also accused an officer of punching him in the stomach, leaving him in severe pain.
“He was curling up, barely able to walk. He told me, ‘Pa, the police hit me in the stomach,'” the victim recalled.
Violations and Possible Charges
Southern Police District (SPD) spokesperson Major Hazel Asilo confirmed that the officers violated protocols by:
✔ Failing to identify themselves
✔ Conducting the raid in civilian clothes instead of uniforms
✔ Allegedly abusing their authority during the operation
The 10 relieved officers have been disarmed and may face charges for grave abuse of authority.
Taguig police officials said they are now investigating other alleged extortion cases linked to the same officers. The accused personnel have yet to issue a statement on the matter.