EIGHT police officials have been relieved from their posts due to an alleged delay in reporting the death of a person under police custody (PUPC) in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The incident involved a detainee who reportedly attempted to escape.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, during a press briefing at Camp Crame, refrained from naming the relieved officials but identified their positions.
The list includes high-ranking officers such as the chief of the Police Regional Office Bicol Region Investigation and Detective Management Division, the directors of the Camarines Sur and Catanduanes Police Provincial Offices, and key personnel from the Del Gallego and San Miguel Municipal Police Stations.
Tuaño explained that the administrative liability stemmed from the significant delay in reporting the incident to the regional headquarters. The report took nearly 12 hours to reach the regional office, raising concerns about transparency and adherence to reporting protocols within the police force.
The relief of these officials underscores the PNP’s commitment to accountability and adherence to proper procedures in handling cases involving individuals in police custody. The incident is currently under investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the detainee’s death and the reasons for the delayed reporting.
