8 NCRPO officers charged with kidnapping, robbery over PHP85M theft

State prosecutors have determined probable cause to charge eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) with kidnapping and robbery for allegedly stealing PHP85 million from a Chinese trader during an unauthorized operation on April 2.

The Office of the City Prosecutor has resolved in favor of the charges filed by the National Capital Region Police Office against the 8 police officers involved, according to NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin.

Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo stated that DSOU commander Maj. Emerson Coballes is considered AWOL after failing to comply with a return-to-work order from NCRPO.

The operation was based on a bogus arrest warrant, and the victim's closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera was shut down during the raid.

Aberin announced that the preliminary investigation against Coballes will take place on April 22 and 29, while the eight officers remain detained at the Las Piñas City custodial facility facing administrative charges that could result in dismissal from service if found guilty.

NCRPO chief Aberin emphasized that high-ranking officials of EPD involved in DSOU's anomalous operation will not be tolerated and that the NCRPO does not shield any wrongdoing, ensuring airtight cases against those involved are filed.