PANTUKAN, Davao de Oro — Two police officers assigned to the Pantukan Municipal Police Station (MPS) have been temporarily relieved from their posts and placed under investigation following a viral CCTV video that allegedly showed them failing to intervene while a civilian was being assaulted by a man claiming to be a member of the Philippine Army.
The controversy erupted after a complainant identified only by the alias “Rom” accused several police officers of inaction during a violent altercation that took place at around 4:41 a.m. on June 13, 2026, at the ASF Gas Station in Pantukan, Davao de Oro.
According to the victim, he was threatened, punched, shoved, and struck with what appeared to be a weapon by a man identified only as “Joemar,” who allegedly introduced himself as a member of the Philippine Army and was reportedly intoxicated during the incident.
What has fueled public outrage, however, is the allegation that uniformed police officers were present at the scene but failed to stop the assault despite repeated pleas for help from the victim.
“Rom” claimed that he sought assistance from the responding officers as the attack unfolded, but no immediate intervention was made to prevent further harm.
The incident gained wider attention after Nikka Cañete took to social media to denounce what she described as the police officers’ apparent indifference while her brother was being assaulted.
In her posts, Cañete alleged that her brother was kicked, punched, pushed, and knocked to the ground by the armed individual in full view of responding officers who allegedly stood by without taking action.
She questioned why the police failed to perform their duty to protect civilians, especially in a situation involving an allegedly armed individual claiming to be a soldier.
The netizen also expressed frustration over what she described as delays in the blotter process. According to her account, they attempted to report the incident in the morning but were only able to complete the police blotter later that evening.
Following the circulation of the CCTV footage online and the mounting public criticism, Pantukan MPS confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched into the conduct of the officers seen in the video.
In an official statement, the police station disclosed that the two officers involved have already submitted formal letters of explanation as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Pantukan MPS Chief PLtCol. Irish Hezron Parangan assured the public that the matter would be handled fairly and transparently.
Parangan stressed that the police organization would not tolerate any misconduct among its personnel and vowed that administrative and legal consequences would follow should the investigation establish violations of police protocols or neglect of duty.
“The video circulating online is being carefully reviewed, and we will not tolerate any wrongdoing by our personnel,” Parangan said, emphasizing the station’s commitment to accountability.
The case has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many netizens questioning whether the officers violated their sworn duty to protect the public and maintain peace and order.
The incident has also drawn attention to broader concerns regarding police responsiveness and accountability, particularly in situations where civilians are allegedly subjected to violence in the presence of law enforcement officers.
As public scrutiny intensifies, media organizations have sought statements from both the Pantukan Municipal Police Station and the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division regarding the allegations involving the individual who allegedly identified himself as a soldier.
As of press time, authorities have yet to release the findings of the investigation, while the relieved officers remain under administrative review.
The outcome of the probe is expected to determine whether the officers merely exercised poor judgment or committed a more serious breach of their duties as law enforcers tasked with protecting the very citizens they serve.