THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is actively investigating a police training instructor assigned to the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for the alleged rape of a female trainee.
Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Chief of the PNP, confirmed in a statement on Sunday that the 41-year-old instructor has been placed under restrictive custody, disarmed, and transferred to the PNP training headquarters in Laguna. This swift action demonstrates the PNP’s commitment to addressing the serious allegations with the utmost gravity.
The complainant, a 23-year-old trainee, reportedly filed a complaint on April 13, detailing two alleged sexual assaults. According to her sworn statement, she was summoned by the instructor to his barracks within the Cordillera Administrative Region Training Center in Baguio City on January 20 and February 8, where the assaults are said to have occurred.
The victim is currently undergoing psychological evaluation as part of the ongoing investigation. General Nartatez assured that the accused would face both criminal and administrative proceedings without delay or favoritism, emphasizing the PNP’s zero-tolerance policy towards such misconduct.
This investigation into the alleged rape comes at a time when the PNP is already dealing with another significant internal incident: a separate hazing case at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA). In that incident, over 20 fourth-class cadets reportedly sustained injuries, including burns, after allegedly being exposed to a mixture of drain cleaner and muriatic acid on April 3. Initial findings suggest this hazing incident stemmed from an internal issue involving a cadet’s intention to resign, with underclassmen allegedly being punished due to perceived blame for the situation.
General Nartatez stated that the rape allegation case will be handled with urgency and transparency, acknowledging the need for public trust in the institution. The dual investigations highlight critical challenges within the PNP’s training and internal disciplinary mechanisms. The PNP leadership has pledged a thorough and impartial inquiry into both matters, aiming to ensure accountability and reinforce the integrity of its training programs and the conduct of its personnel.
