The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has terminated Patrolman Joshua Mendoza from service due to allegations of rape involving an unconscious woman at a motel in Manila.
In an official statement, Napolcom reported that Mendoza was held accountable for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The commission's findings were based on substantial evidence including eyewitness accounts, medico-legal reports, CCTV footage, and a consistent narrative from the victim.
Details of the Incident
The victim, who identified herself as 'Anna,' filed her complaint with Napolcom in January. She claimed that a month earlier, she had accepted an invitation from Mendoza to join him and friends for drinks. After consuming alcohol, she became unconscious and later awoke to find Mendoza allegedly assaulting her.
Exploiting a woman who is unconscious is not just a crime, it is a grave assault on the dignity of the uniform and a betrayal of public trust.
Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan
At a briefing, the group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption presented security footage purportedly showing Mendoza carrying the victim into the motel.
Mendoza was previously assigned to the Manila Police District (MPD) and had been absent without official leave since the incident. A criminal complaint has also been filed against him.
Two weeks after the complaint was lodged, Mendoza surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation. His camp has denied the allegations, asserting that any sexual encounter was consensual.