Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) chief Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan on Thursday, December 18, ordered the relief of a police colonel from his post as chief of the HPG Investigation Management Division following an alleged assault of a patrolman and directed a full investigation.
The move followed the circulation of a video online showing an alleged incident on December 16 at the HPG parking lot in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Initial reports said the colonel allegedly assaulted a patrolman over a dispute involving unauthorized parking.
The alleged assault reportedly involved kicking, pointing a firearm, and striking the patrolman’s head and upper lip with a firearm butt. Injuries were confirmed through a medico-legal examination.
Marantan said the officer was relieved as a precautionary measure and reassigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section, with his firearm surrendered and accounted for. He ordered the immediate documentation of the case and the filing of appropriate administrative and criminal charges once probable cause is established.
The HPG chief said the colonel admitted to pointing a firearm during the confrontation, which may constitute grave threats. He reiterated the HPG’s zero-tolerance policy for abuse of authority and assured the public that due process will be observed while accountability is enforced.
