Marbil relieves EPD director as cases filed vs cops involved in extortion try

The director of the Eastern Police District (EPD) and the entire District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) have been relieved amid claims of extortion and gross misconduct by some of its personnel, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"When discipline collapses, it begins at the top. Leaders will be held to the highest standards of accountability... This is no longer just about rogue officers — it is a failure of leadership," said PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil in a statement released on Saturday.

He added that criminal charges have been formally filed against the eight DSOU personnel in relation to the incident.

“Those involved must be summarily dismissed from the service and permanently disqualified from holding any position in government," Marbil said.

"If the director is found liable under the principle of command responsibility, he will never be trusted with any position of leadership again,” he added.

Marbil also warned police chiefs all over the country to uphold discipline and instill integrity within their ranks.

“The badge you wear is not a shield for abuse—it is a symbol of public trust. Betray that trust, and you will be removed, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Marbil.

The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) were ordered to conduct a full, thorough, and impartial investigation, and that administrative and criminal charges will be pursued against all involved.

Last April 2, the EPD cops launched an operation against the Chinese at an exclusive subdivision in Las Piñas City. However, Las Piñas falls under the jurisdiction of the Southern Police District (SPD) and not under the EPD.

EPD chief Police Brigadier General Villamor Tuliao said the involved cops did not coordinate and did not wear body cameras during the operation.

The police officers allegedly tried to extort P12 million from the Chinese in exchange for his freedom. They also allegedly took a huge amount of money and some belongings, including a luxury watch, from the victim. —Jamil Santos/ VAL, GMA Integrated News