19 MPD drug enforcers relieved over kidnapping allegations

Nineteen officers and personnel of the Manila Police District (MPD) Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) have been relieved from their posts following allegations of kidnapping two men during an anti-narcotics operation.

The incident occurred on September 9 in Sampaloc, Manila, where seven DEU members reportedly abducted two individuals identified as Dwayne and Owen.

Instead of being brought to the MPD headquarters, the victims were allegedly taken for a ride in Marikina and Rizal province.

One of the victims, Nicole Owen Sollesa, stated that armed men in civilian clothes seized him and his friend Chester Dumaran at a milk tea store, forcing them into separate vehicles while being beaten and threatened.

Sollesa reported that his cellphone, P10,000 in earnings, and his motorcycle were taken by the MPD-DEU operatives.

The kidnapping came to light after Sollesa managed to escape and filed administrative complaints with the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

The MPD leadership has initiated an investigation and relieved the entire DEU, including its chief, to ensure fairness and due process.

During the operation, Sollesa was reportedly arrested for possession of 112 grams of shabu, valued at P156,800, although the Manila City Prosecutor's Office has referred the drug case for further investigation due to lack of evidence.