The Philippine National Police (PNP) disarmed two of its personnel after they allegedly harassed two female criminology interns at a police station in Cagayan de Oro City, the PNP said on Tuesday.
Authorities said the police officers involved were assigned to Police Station 7 in Barangay Bulua, where the police captain and police corporal allegedly sexually harassed the two victims on Aug. 8.
‘We take these allegations seriously. The PNP will ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly, promptly, and without interference, and that appropriate administrative and criminal charges will be pursued if the allegations are substantiated,’ PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
The Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines (PCAP) said it would pursue legal action against the officers, potentially resulting in the revocation of their licenses.
Nartatez directed the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) to supervise the proceedings to ensure impartiality and ordered the PRO-10 and Cagayan de Oro City Police Office to expedite the investigation and submit a full report.
‘We will not tolerate any abuse of authority or conduct that violates the dignity and rights of our interns, civilians, or fellow personnel. Those found responsible will be held accountable,’ Nartatez said.
Following their disarmament, the suspects were also held at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office. – Martina Nieyandra Calica, INQUIRER.net trainee