The police chief of San Juan Police Station in Batangas, along with seven other officers, have been relieved from their posts following a drug buy-bust operation that led to the death of a drug suspect.

Bryan Laresma, 33, died on May 28, 2024. The operation was carried out at the boundary of San Juan, Batangas, and Tiaong, Quezon.

Laresma's family called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Investigations conducted by the Batangas Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) and the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS) revealed discrepancies in the police report. 

During a congressional hearing on June 11, PBGen. Kenneth Paul Lucas, Director of PRO CALABARZON, said there was no armed encounter between the two parties.

"Based po sa investigation, wala pong armed encounter kaya po nakapag-file tayo ng murder case laban doon sa limang police and nagkaroon po tayo ng pre-charged investigation by PIAS," Lucas said.

The Batangas Police Provincial Office (PPO) found irregularities in the conduct of the buy-bust operation, leading to the administrative relief of the police officers.

"They were administratively relieved from their post, unang-una na ‘yung Chief of Police and the seven DEU personnel involved in said operation. We had already filed [an] admin case against them for breach of procedures," PCOL. Jacinto Malinao, Acting Provincial Director of Batangas PPO, said.

"There were procedures prescribed by [the] PNP Anti-Drug Operation Protocol na hindi nasunod… by not following strictly those procedures, it will redound to the performance of this official duty," Malinao added.

The officers relieved are now in the custody of the Batangas Police Provincial Office, pending further hearings in Congress on the case.

FAMILY

Laresma's family expressed gratitude for the steps taken.

"Maraming maraming salamat po sa tumutulong sana po ay makamtan po namin ‘yung tunay na hustisya," Adrian Laresma, the victim's brother, said.

Adrian maintained his account of the incident:

"Wala po talaga akong transaksyon nakita, at ang kapatid ko po ay naghihintay sa akin para ibigay ang pambili ng solar fan, at nakita ko po ‘yung sakay sa kotseng green, biglang baba [at] binaril po ‘yung kapatid ko," he said.

ADVICE

Rep. Bonifacio Bosita of the Committee on Public Order and Safety urged police officers to adhere to proper procedures.

"Huwag ninyong I-sacrifice ‘yung career ninyo, huwag ninyong i-sacrifice ang future ninyo, huwag ninyong i-sacrifice ang future ng pamilya ninyo. Gawin ninyo ‘yung tama, yung nakasanayan ninyong mali, talikuran na ninyo, kapag hindi kayo nagbago, sunod-sunod kayo," Bosita said.

"Just the basics, do the procedure and nothing would go wrong. We will do everything for our people," Malinao added.

For complaints or concerns regarding the police, the public can contact the Batangas PPO hotline at 09171841829.