SIX members of the Manila Police District (MPD) were arrested by Makati police for armed robbery Wednesday.
A Makati Police Station report released Thursday said the incident occurred at approximately 7:48 p.m. The victims said the robbery took place on Arsonvel Street in Makati, where a group of men pointed guns at them, forced them to lie on the ground, tied their hands, and stole their belongings before fleeing on motorcycles.
Makati police later arrested the six suspects, who were positively identified by the victims as police officers.
The suspects were identified as SSg. Mark Louie de la Cruz Saupan and Pat. Marcial Onayan Mariñas, Edernor Cuevas Valencia, Mark Allen Ruben Viaña, Aeron Paul Villasis Joves, and John Vasti Bonagua Virtudes. All are assigned to Malate Police Station 9.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said the six suspects are detained and facing criminal charges.
In an interview, NCRPO chief MGen. Anthony Aberin said the officers carried out an unauthorized anti-drug operation outside their jurisdiction without coordinating with the Southern Police District.
Aberin added that the Malate station commander and all members of the station’s drug enforcement unit have been relieved of their posts.
“They will all be subjected to an in-depth investigation to determine possible violations,” the NCRPO said in a statement. “NCRPO has no place for criminals.”
In a separate statement, the MPD said it is conducting a parallel investigation through its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Investigation Management Division.
“We assure the public that erring police officers will not be tolerated,” said MPD district director Gen. Arnold Abad. “Appropriate charges will be filed, and this matter will be elevated to the proper authorities.”
