Manila, Philippines – The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) En Banc has ordered the dismissal from the police service of seven (7) Caloocan City police officers found liable for the illegal arrest and prolonged detention of Jayson Fernandez Dela Rosa, an incident that triggered a series of events leading to the death of his son from leptospirosis in July 2024 while searching for him.
According to NAPOLCOM Chief Commissioner Ralph Calinisan, the commission found sufficient evidence showing the involvement of the said Caloocan police officers in Grave Misconduct, Grave Dishonesty, Incompetence, Oppression, and Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer.
These violations stemmed from unlawful detention, falsified documentation, and fabricated criminal cases filed against Dela Rosa.
Calinisan further stated that the result demonstrates the abuse of power by the police involved and the blatant disregard for due process and human rights, which, he said, has no place in the police service.
The officers dismissed from service include:
- PCPT ROMEL L. CABUROG
- PLT JEFFREN AGANOS
- PMSG RYAN L. CANDELARIO
- PSSG STEPHEN C. SOMLANI
- PSSG DARWIN S. INDIONGCO
- PCPL MARVIN S. RESUMADERO
- PSSG RODOLFO KING BAUTISTA
The case originated with Dion Angelo “Gelo” dela Rosa, who died after wading through flooded streets for three days in July to find his father, Jayson.
Jayson did not return home in July, and his family sought assistance from Caloocan police on July 24 but were allegedly told that no Jayson Dela Rosa had been arrested. Police later said Jayson was arrested on July 25, the same day his son found him in detention.
Gelo developed a fever and body aches on July 27 and later died from cardiac arrest caused by leptospirosis. His father was released from detention on August 2.
This led Jayson, accompanied by Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David of Caloocan, to seek help and file an administrative complaint with Napolcom against the seven police officers.
One of the strongest pieces of evidence, according to NAPOLCOM, was the CCTV footage proving the police officers’ lie that Jayson was not arrested, even though he was actually in their custody.