Three police officers assigned to the Molo Police Station in Iloilo City are under scrutiny following administrative charges filed by the National Police Commission in Western Visayas (Napolcom-6). This action stems from a botched operation aimed at capturing former police officer Jerry Villanueva, who was wanted for murder.
Details of the Incident
There was a failure to apprehend Villanueva despite the respondents’ knowledge of the warrant of arrest issued against him by the court.
Michelle Benitez-Yotoko, Napolcom-6 Spokesperson
- The operation took place on July 1, 2026.
- Villanueva surrendered on July 5, 2026, to the Police Regional Office 6.
- Charges against the officers include grave misconduct and neglect of duty.
Captain Ryan Christ Inot faces grave misconduct charges, while two noncommissioned officers are charged with grave neglect of duty and irregularity in their duties. The investigation revealed that a detainee was found outside the police facility during the operation, raising further concerns about the conduct of the officers involved.
The Napolcom-6 investigation concluded that the Molo Police Station may have been harboring Villanueva, suggesting deeper issues of corruption or negligence within the local police force. Despite the lack of witnesses to formally complain, the commission gathered sufficient evidence to proceed with the charges.
These developments highlight ongoing efforts to enforce accountability within the Philippine National Police (PNP). Napolcom-6 will act as the nominal complainant in this case, which now leads to summary dismissal proceedings for the three officers.
Under Napolcom guidelines, the officers cannot be reassigned or transferred during the administrative proceedings unless authorized by the disciplinary authority. This rule is aimed at ensuring integrity in the ongoing investigation.