DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte — A viral CCTV footage showing a police officer allegedly brandishing and pointing a firearm while reportedly intoxicated has ignited public outrage and once again placed the spotlight on misconduct within the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP), despite ongoing efforts by the organization to rebuild public trust and improve its image.
The controversy stemmed from a video circulating widely on social media showing Police Corporal Henry Boquida, reportedly assigned to the Sapang Dalaga Municipal Police Station in Misamis Occidental, allegedly threatening a civilian with a firearm during an incident that occurred in Barangay Antipolo, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, at around 8:30 p.m. on June 21, 2026.
According to information shared online, the police officer was allegedly under the influence of alcohol during the confrontation. The footage, captured by a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera between 8:37 p.m. and 8:39 p.m., quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing condemnation from netizens who questioned the conduct of a law enforcement officer entrusted with maintaining peace and public safety.
The incident has become another embarrassing episode for the PNP, which in recent years has intensified campaigns promoting professionalism, accountability, discipline, and community trust. While many police officers continue to perform their duties with integrity and dedication, incidents involving rogue personnel continue to undermine these efforts and reinforce negative public perceptions of the police force.
For many observers, the actions shown in the viral footage represent the exact behavior that the PNP has repeatedly vowed to eliminate from its ranks.
Officer Relieved, Disarmed, and Placed Under Custody
In response to the incident, the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office (MOCPPO) immediately launched an investigation.
Police authorities confirmed that the concerned officer had already been relieved from his post, placed under restrictive custody at the provincial headquarters, and disarmed pending the outcome of the investigation.
In an official statement, MOCPPO stressed that it does not tolerate behavioral misconduct, abuse of authority, or irresponsible handling of firearms.
“The ongoing investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and appropriate administrative and criminal charges will be imposed against PNP personnel found to have violated existing laws, rules and regulations,” the provincial police office said.
Authorities emphasized that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness and assured the public that due process would be observed while accountability measures are pursued.
Grave Threat Complaint Filed
Meanwhile, the National Police Commission Regional Office IX (NAPOLCOM IX) confirmed that a criminal complaint for Grave Threat has already been endorsed to the City Prosecutor’s Office in Dapitan City for regular filing.
Official reports identified the victim as a 35-year-old construction worker from Barangay Antipolo.
According to NAPOLCOM IX, the police officer voluntarily surrendered to the Sapang Dalaga Municipal Police Station after the incident and was subsequently transferred to MOCPPO headquarters for proper disposition.
His service firearm was immediately confiscated and secured by the provincial police supply section.
NAPOLCOM Vows Swift Action Against ‘Scalawags’
NAPOLCOM IX Regional Director Atty. Pablito M. Abad Jr. said the commission is closely monitoring both criminal and administrative proceedings against the officer in accordance with directives from NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Atty. Ralph Calinisan.
The commission is also coordinating closely with the Dapitan City Police Station and the victim to facilitate the filing of administrative cases for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer.
NAPOLCOM reiterated its commitment to aggressively pursue disciplinary action against abusive police officers and remove “scalawags” from the service.
“The Commission remains steadfast in its mandate to hold abusive police personnel accountable,” the statement read.
The agency further reminded all police officers to uphold the core values of being Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, and Makabansa, emphasizing that firearms are issued to protect citizens—not intimidate them.
Public Trust at Stake
The incident has once again highlighted a recurring challenge confronting the PNP: the actions of a few erring personnel continue to tarnish the reputation of thousands of police officers who serve honorably.
Over the years, the PNP has invested significant effort in restoring public confidence through internal cleansing programs, disciplinary reforms, community engagement initiatives, and campaigns aimed at promoting professionalism among its ranks.
However, incidents involving drunken behavior, abuse of authority, and misuse of firearms have repeatedly undermined these gains.
Public trust remains one of the most valuable assets of any law enforcement institution. Every act of misconduct committed by a police officer does not merely affect the individual involved—it reflects on the entire organization and weakens confidence in those sworn to protect the public.
As investigations continue, many citizens are demanding not only accountability for the officer involved but also stronger enforcement of disciplinary measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
For the PNP, the case serves as a stark reminder that while the institution may be striving to project a better image and strengthen public confidence, such actions by erring personnel continue to cast a long shadow over those efforts and damage the credibility of the police service as a whole.