The chief of the Marikina City Police and a substation commander have been relieved of their posts as the investigation into the alleged sexual harassment case filed by a policewoman against her two colleagues continues, Eastern Police District (EPD) director Brig. Gen. Aden Lagradante said on Monday, Sept. 1.
Speaking at a press conference in Camp Crame, Lagradante said that the city police chief and the commander of the substation, where the two suspects were previously assigned, were administratively relieved due to possible negligence.
“We administratively relieved the chief of police of Marikina for the pending investigation. When we say he is under investigation, we’ll investigate if the chief of police is remiss of his function or of his duties in overseeing his personnel,” Lagradante said.
He did not divulge the names of the two police officials, as well as the suspects in the case.
Based on the police report from the EPD, the incident occurred on Aug. 17 in Barangay Sto. Niño, Marikina City.
The victim said her colleagues, a staff sergeant and a patrolman, forced her to drink liquor and proceeded to sexually harass her at the back seat of their patrol car.
Lagradante said the suspects have been disarmed and stripped of their ranks while the probe is ongoing.
The Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) said charges of acts of lasciviousness and violation of RA 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law, have been filed against the two suspects.
“The PNP stands resolute against all forms of workplace crimes, especially sexual harassment. Every employee deserves respect, safety, and dignity,” WCPC chief Brig. Gen. Maria Sheila Portento said.
“There is no place in the PNP—or in any society—for those who commit violence against women and children,” she added.
She encouraged everyone to speak out, hold offenders accountable, and work together to end harassment.
“A safe workplace is everyone’s right, and together, we will protect it,” she stressed. (Patrick Garcia)
