THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) announced on Wednesday that seven police officers in Caloocan City will be dismissed from service in connection with the death of an altar boy who contracted leptospirosis after wading through floodwaters while searching for his detained father.
Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Ralph Calinisan made the announcement during a press conference, stating, “We decided all those involved in this Caloocan incident will be dismissed from the service.”
The case stems from an incident where the altar boy contracted leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with animal urine in floodwaters, after he searched for his detained father in flood-affected areas. The circumstances surrounding the father’s detention and the subsequent illness and death of the altar boy sparked public outrage.
In September, Napolcom filed administrative charges against the seven Caloocan City police officers, citing grave misconduct, grave dishonesty, incompetence, oppression, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. The decision to dismiss the officers underscores the severity with which Napolcom views their actions and their responsibility in the tragic events.
