Gen. Anthony Aberin, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), has ordered an investigation into the Taguig City police, including its chief, Col. Joey Goforth, following an incident where officers from Taguig Substation-5 allegedly conducted an illegal search of a residence.
The investigation focuses on ten police officers accused of entering a residence without a valid search warrant.
Aberin said that Goforth’s possible accountability will also be included in the ongoing probe. The ten officers have been relieved of their duties to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
“I will make sure they will be dismissed from the police service,” Aberin said, emphasizing the NCRPO’s commitment to the rule of law, transparency, and professionalism. He indicated that those found guilty could face suspension, demotion, dismissal, or criminal charges.
The alleged incident involved a search of a woman’s house and shop in Taguig City. CCTV footage shows plainclothes individuals identifying themselves as police officers entering the premises.
The officers were reportedly serving a warrant related to previous drug charges against the woman, but she had been acquitted and released in 2022.
According to Goforth, the police officers appeared to have entered the house without a valid warrant. He also stated that the officers allegedly intended to solicit money from the victim to avoid arrest. Goforth assured the public that the case would be thoroughly investigated, including allegations that the officers had previously arrested the victim’s son and attempted to negotiate a price for his release. CCTV footage also captured the officers apprehending several individuals in the store, including a minor.
Police Major Hazel Asilo, spokesperson for the Southern Police District (SPD), confirmed that the officers violated warrant service policy. “First of all, there is a violation…because they should have identified themselves and then they should have been in uniform when serving…we have seen that there was abuse in their service,” Asilo said.
The relieved officers will face charges of grave abuse of authority.
