30-8-2023 (MANILA) Following the beating of a 15-year-old boy in Navotas City, ten personnel from the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) have been relieved of their duties and placed under restrictive custody. Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), confirmed that the officers, who were assigned to the MG’s regional maritime unit in Navotas, are currently under investigation, despite the victim and his parents choosing not to press charges.
“They are on restrictive custody because of that investigation,” stated Nartatez during an interview with reporters at the 122nd Police Service anniversary celebration held at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
According to a report by News5, the incident occurred on August 25th in Barangay North Bay Boulevard North, where the boy was allegedly beaten. The police apprehended the teenager after he was accused of stealing a cell phone.
“The minor was arrested by concerned citizens. He was turned over to the police because of a crime,” explained Nartatez.
Based on the report received by the NCRPO, Nartatez confirmed that the victim complained of being punched and kicked by the police officers. The police have been in contact with the Department of Social Welfare and Development field office in Navotas, as well as the city government and barangay officials, to address the incident.
Brig. Gen. Rizalito Gapas, the director of the Northern Police District, stated that there were visible signs of physical assault on the boy. The next step, according to Gapas, is to identify the police officers responsible for the assault.
Gapas emphasized that whether or not the victim was involved in theft is a separate matter. “The issue is that the boy was hurt,” he stated in an interview aired on GMA News.
TINGNAN: Nakatakdang simulan ng Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs ang pangalawang pagdinig nito sa kaso ni Jemboy Baltazar, ang 17-year-old na napatay ng Navotas Police. | DZRH News
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