Probe on CCPO chief referred to RIAS 7

Local

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) Internal Affairs Service (IAS) has started looking into allegations of misconduct and excessive force by officers from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) involved in the controversial arrest of suspended City Administrator Collin Rosell earlier this month.

A letter obtained by MyTV Cebu showed that the IAS has referred the complaint against CCPO City Director Col. Antonietto Cañete and other involved officers to the Regional Internal Affairs Service 7 (RIAS 7) for further inquiry.

RIAS 7 will investigate whether the officers violated police protocols and committed gross misconduct or neglect of duty.

The complaint stemmed from an incident on November 8, alleging that Cañete and several officers allegedly stormed City Hall and forcibly removed Rosell from his office without providing valid grounds for his arrest.

Rosell, who had returned to work following the completion of a suspension order, was reportedly seated at his desk when the officers approached, handcuffed him, and dragged him from his chair.

In response to Atty. Luis A. Vera Cruz, Rosell’s legal counsel, the IAS requested certified copies of Rosell’s sworn affidavit and any additional evidence to assist in the investigation. The IAS assured that it would thoroughly handle the matter in coordination with RIAS 7 investigators, led by PLTCOL Napoleon D. Cruz.

“The foregoing acts of the above-mentioned police officers have completely eroded the public’s trust in the police force, whose mandate to serve and protect was used capriciously and violently,” the initial complaint read.

The complaint, signed by Vera Cruz, accused the officers of failing to follow standard arrest procedures, including reading Rosell his Miranda rights and filing necessary documents such as a complaint affidavit or arrest report.

It also alleges that the officers’ actions delayed the judicial process, as Rosell was unable to post bail due to incomplete paperwork.

Video footage of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows the officers using apparent excessive force during the arrest. The footage has sparked public outcry and calls for accountability from local officials and advocacy groups.

The IAS echoed these concerns in its letter, stating that any misuse of police authority “completely erodes public trust” in law enforcement.

Earlier, Cañete defended their actions and questioned the merits of the case against him.

“May merit ba?” he asked.

The controversy began when Rosell resumed his duties as City Administrator on November 8, following a suspension order imposed on him, former Mayor Michael Rama, who is currently dismissed due to a nepotism case, and other city officials over the alleged non-payment of four City Hall employees.

Rosell’s return to office reportedly caused tensions with Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and other local officials, culminating in the police intervention.

The IAS investigation comes amid a broader series of legal battles involving Rosell.

Last week, Rosell filed multiple complaints, including child abuse charges, against Cañete, Maj. John Lymbert Castigador Yango of Police Station 3, Garcia, and other city officials.(MyTVCebu)