Eastern samar: Seventeen personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), including the town police chief, have been relieved from their duties following allegations of a drinking session conducted while on duty in Eastern Samar province.

According to Philippines News Agency, Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 (Eastern Visayas) public information chief Lt. Col. Analiza Catilogo-Armeza confirmed that the group involved 16 officers and a non-uniformed personnel (NUP). The chief of the Dolores Municipal Police was among those relieved due to command responsibility.

Social media posts have circulated showing images of the policemen allegedly participating in a drinking session inside a police station. The incident reportedly occurred during a Christmas party. Lt. Col. Armeza noted that there were no reported disturbances during the event, but the circulation of the images prompted the action.

Lt. Col. Armeza emphasized that PRO-8 does not tolerate any misconduct among its personnel, ensuring that violations of rules and regulations will be addressed. She mentioned ongoing efforts to prepare the order for replacing the relieved personnel from Dolores.

The PRO-8 reiterated the strict prohibition by the PNP against the consumption of alcohol while on duty and within police premises, aligning with existing PNP rules and regulations.