The Philippine National Police Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) conducted a surprise raid on Iloilo City Police Station 4 on July 1, searching for a dismissed officer wanted for murder. However, the suspect was not present at the station, prompting a police investigation into the operation.
Details of the Raid
Over 20 heavily armed IMEG personnel, supported by the Special Action Force, executed the operation without prior coordination with Station 4 officers. At around 4 p.m., officers were ordered to the ground, disarmed, and their phones confiscated.
IMEG personnel did not present a recognizable photograph of the wanted suspect.
Capt. Ryan Christ Inot, Station Commander
The raid escalated when a barangay captain and a media member, summoned as witnesses for an anti-drug operation, were allegedly held at gunpoint.
Official Reactions and Investigations
BGen. Randulf Tuaño, acting director of Police Regional Office 6, confirmed that serving arrest warrants is a legitimate police function. He acknowledged the presence of media and civilian witnesses during the raid.
To clarify the events, Tuaño ordered a formal investigation by the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division.
- IMEG operation aimed at a dismissed officer wanted for murder.
- Station 4 officers caught off guard, leading to questions on coordination.
- Investigation into the incident initiated by both PNP-IMEG and ICPO.
In response to the incident, Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director PCol. Wilbert Parilla urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations are ongoing. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in police operations.