TWO Quezon City Police District (QCPD) policemen were arrested and disarmed after causing disturbance and damaging property in a KTV bar in the city last Wednesday.
The policemen were not identified but authorities said they hold the rank of corporal and patrolman, who are both assigned to the Warrant Section of the QCPD’s Police Station 14 (Holy Spirit Police Station).
The two reportedly entered the KTV bar on Commonwealth Ave. in Barangay Holy Spirit already under the influence of alcohol at around 1 a.m. last Wednesday, the National Capital Region Police Office said.
They ordered multiple bottles of beer and later caused “a disturbance.”
At around 2 a.m., the policemen began throwing ice cubes at waiters and other customers, the NCRPO said.
“In the course of their unruly behavior, they damaged a glass painting frame and their actions caused alarm and panic that forced customers to vacate the premises,” the NCRPO said in a statement.
The bar manager promptly contacted the police for assistance, it said.
In a separate statement, the QCPD said policemen “caused a public disturbance and damaged some property of the bar.”
It said complaints were filed before the QCPD, “leading to a swift response from Police Station 14 and the subsequent arrest of the involved officers.
“Their firearms have been confiscated, as the case has been turned over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) for further investigation and the filing of appropriate charges,” the QCPD said.
The QCPD condemned the acts of the two policemen, currently under the custody of CIDU, but assured the public that the lawmen “will face the consequences of their actions.”
It said misconduct, abuse of authority, and any other infractions will not be tolerated.
“Should the allegations be proven true, both criminal and administrative sanctions will be pursued without delay,” the QCPD said.
“The QCPD stands resolute in its commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and professionalism. We assure the public that we will take decisive action to maintain the trust entrusted to us, ensuring full accountability and zero tolerance for misconduct within our ranks,” the QCPD said.
The NCRPO said the policemen face charges for violation of Article 155 (Alarms and Scandal) and Article 327 (Malicious Mischief) of the Revised Penal Code.
It also noted that the PNP has long banned policemen from entering bars, nightclubs and similar public drinking establishments.
“Such places are considered inappropriate for law enforcement officers, especially while in active service or uniform,” it said.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said: “NCRPO had long clearly emphasized its policy; there is no second chance for police officers who violate the law.
“As members of the PNP, we adhere to a higher standard of propriety and professionalism. NCRPO’s actions against police misconduct will always be swift, decisive and uncompromising,” added Aberin.
