Dismissal case starts vs 34 cops in illegal detention of 4 Chinese

Metro Manila police director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (FILE) Photo from the Police Regional Office 4A/Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-four police officers who allegedly committed irregularities for unlawfully arresting and detaining four Chinese nationals in Paranaque City in September last year are undergoing summary dismissal proceedings, a police official revealed on Tuesday.

During the House of Representatives public order and safety committee hearing on the case, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reported that 44 personnel from the Southern Police District – Detective and Special Operations Unit (SPD-DSOU) and Parañaque police were directly linked to the operation.

Initially, he said, “35 personnel were recommended for summary dismissal proceedings, while nine were not charged with administrative cases for lack of probable cause.”

Of the 35, Nartatez said 34 respondents face summary dismissal proceedings.

Two of those facing summary dismissal proceedings are also undergoing administrative disciplinary proceedings, pending the issuance of Presidential Clearance under the National Police Commission 2016-002, he added.

READ: Pagpapalaya sa 4 Chinese nationals idinulog na sa korte

How it happened

Citing reports, Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop revealed in his opening statement that four female Chinese nationals identified as Dang Lina, Hu Yi, Ling Lang Ping, and Li Huanhuan were “allegedly unlawfully accosted and arrested” and were brought in room 1811 of Solemare Parksuites condominium in Paranaque on September 16, 2023.

According to Acop, the victims were “detained for several hours without being informed of their alleged offense and Miranda rights and were deprived of contact with their legal representation.”

“Furthermore, initial investigation reports point to certain irregularities in the implementation of a search warrant which was issued for violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act against seven female and nine male Chinese nationals and a Filipino,” he said.

The lawmaker revealed that all four women were transferred to SPD-DSOU in Taguig, where personnel allegedly asked them to shell out P2 million each for release.

He added that police reportedly justified the Chinese nationals’ days-long detention as “protective custody,” citing their purported status as “human trafficking victims” as a reason.

READ: 3 Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City for illegal detention

However, Acop pointed out how the victims claimed that there was no basis for authorities’ claim that they were human trafficking victims.