NAPOLCOM to Dismiss 7 Caloocan Officers Over Leptospirosis Death Case
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) announced this week that seven officers from Caloocan City will be relieved of duty in relation to the death of a boy who contracted leptospirosis after wading through floodwaters while searching for his detained father.
Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Ralph Calinisan stated at a press briefing, “We have determined that all personnel involved in this Caloocan incident will be dismissed from the service.”
Background details indicate that in September, NAPOLCOM filed administrative charges against the seven Caloocan officers for grave misconduct, grave dishonesty, incompetence, oppression, and conduct unbecoming a police officer.
During the heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and successive tropical cyclones, Dion dela Rosa spent three days traversing flooded streets in search of his father, Jayson, who had not returned home in Malabon by July 22.
As the family sought help, they asked the Caloocan police on July 24 for assistance, but officers reportedly said there was no record of Jayson. Caloocan police later stated that Jayson had reportedly been arrested on July 25.
On July 25, Dion located his father in custody. Jayson had been detained at a police substation after an arrest reportedly connected to playing kaya y krus (a coin-toss game).
By July 27, Dion developed fever and body aches and subsequently died of a cardiac event linked to leptospirosis.
Jayson was released from detention on August 2.
Calinisan emphasized that NAPOLCOM’s evidence shows the implicated officers engaged in grave misconduct, grave dishonesty, incompetence, oppression, and conduct unbecoming a police officer, pointing to unlawful detention, falsified records, and the fabrication of charges against Jayson as the basis for these findings.
He added, “The findings reveal an abuse of power and a clear violation of due process and human rights. Such behavior has no place in the police service.”
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to cleansing the police force of personnel who violate standards, underscoring the public’s expectation that the Philippine National Police uphold professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.
— VAL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
