ILOILO CITY — A tense situation unfolded at Iloilo City Police Station 4 in Molo on Wednesday afternoon, July 1, after heavily armed personnel from the Philippine National Police Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) stormed the station to arrest a dismissed policeman wanted for murder.
The subject, however, was not found inside the station, triggering a police investigation.
The PNP-IMEG operation was backed by Special Action Force personnel. IMEG was created to monitor, investigate, and help arrest rogue or erring PNP personnel involved in illegal activities.
IMEG conducted the operation to implement a warrant of arrest against a dismissed police officer facing a murder case who was not at the police station during the raid.
The operation, which involved more than 20 IMEG personnel, caught Station 4 officers by surprise as they were reportedly preparing for a drug buy-bust operation.
Station commander Capt. Ryan Christ Inot said no prior coordination was made with the station or higher headquarters before IMEG personnel entered the police station shortly after 4 p.m.
Inot said officers inside the station were ordered to lie on the ground, temporarily disarmed and had their mobile phones confiscated while IMEG personnel searched the premises for the former policeman.
The search, however, ended without the arrest of the suspect.
The situation became more tense after a barangay captain and a member of the media who had been summoned as witnesses for the supposed anti-drug operation were allegedly also held at gunpoint during the operation.
Inot also questioned the manner in which the operation was carried out, saying IMEG personnel did not present a recognizable photograph of the wanted suspect.
He added that the station was considering legal remedies over the incident.
Twin probe
Police Regional Office 6 acting director BGen. Randulf Tuaño acknowledged that serving a warrant of arrest is a legitimate law enforcement function of the IMEG.
Tuaño also confirmed reports that members of the media and a barangay official were present at the station during the IMEG operation.
“We recognize the important role of the media and civilian witnesses in promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement,” he said.
To determine what transpired during the operation, Tuaño directed the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division to conduct a formal investigation.
The Deputy Regional Director for Operations tasked to supervise the probe and ensure coordination among concerned units.
“PRO-6 remains committed to supporting all lawful police operations while ensuring professionalism, proper coordination, and respect for the rights, safety, and dignity of all persons affected by police activities,” Tuaño added.
No negative assumptions
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) also appealed to the public not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing.
ICPO director PCol. Wilbert Parilla ordered the City Investigation and Detective Management Unit to conduct its own inquiry into the incident and instructed the Deputy City Director for Operations to oversee the investigation.
“We respectfully urge the public to remain calm and refrain from making negative assumptions or spreading unverified information regarding the incident,” Parilla said.
“The matter is already being addressed by our units. We ask everyone to allow the ongoing investigation to proceed so that the facts can be properly established,” he added.
The ICPO likewise assured its full cooperation with higher headquarters and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, accountability, and maintaining public confidence in the police service.