“No second chances.”
This was the firm message from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil after ordering the immediate relief of Eastern Police District (EPD) Director Brig. Gen. Villamor Tuliao and the entire District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) for their alleged involvement in an unauthorized operation that led to the theft of PHP85 million from a Chinese businessman in Las Piñas City.
The incident, which took place on April 2, has resulted in the detention of eight DSOU personnel now facing criminal and administrative charges including robbery, illegal detention, and unlawful arrest, according to a PNP news release on Saturday.
Marbil did not mince words, calling the incident a “grave leadership failure” and underscoring that police commanders will be held accountable under the doctrine of command responsibility.
“This is no longer just about rogue officers — it is a failure of leadership. When discipline collapses, it begins at the top. Leaders will be held to the highest standards of accountability,” he said.
“If the director is found liable under the principle of command responsibility, he will never be trusted with any position of leadership again,” he added, pushing for the summary dismissal of those involved and their permanent disqualification from government service.
A full investigation by the PNP Internal Affairs Service is ongoing.
National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin revealed that the accused officers committed several violations during the operation — including the failure to coordinate with local police, not wearing body cameras, and not securing clearance from their supervisors.
According to the victim and his relatives, the officers forcibly entered their property, disabled the CCTV system, and looted cash in pesos, US dollars, and Malaysian ringgits, along with jewelry, gadgets, and personal belongings.
The scandal has reignited calls for stricter internal discipline within the police force and raised serious concerns over the abuse of power by law enforcement personnel.