The National Police Commission (Napolcom) proceeded on Monday with its own investigation after a Pasig City fire volunteer formally lodged an administrative complaint against a police officer involved in a widely circulated confrontation.
Napolcom said the case against Police Cpl. Michel De La Paz is being handled by its Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service, adding that the commission had already initiated a motu proprio probe even before the complaint was filed.
The administrative case was submitted by volunteer firefighter Earl Joseph Lantin, whose encounter with the officer in Marikina City drew public attention after a video of the incident spread online.
According to Napolcom, the officer’s relief from his post and reassignment to a holding unit do not end the accountability process, as administrative proceedings will continue.
Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the commission’s role is to ensure that disciplinary action is pursued beyond immediate operational measures.
Napolcom stressed that the investigation will be conducted independently and transparently, in line with its authority over the Philippine National Police.
The commission also underscored that professionalism and respect toward civilians and volunteer responders remain non-negotiable standards for all police officers.