Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting parallel investigations into alleged misconduct by police officers in Pasig City and a deadly shooting involving private security guards in Quezon City, as authorities tighten accountability during the holiday season.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered an immediate probe into eight Eastern Police District personnel accused of robbery during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Palatiw, Pasig City on December 26. The officers have been placed under restrictive custody and disarmed while the Internal Affairs Service and National Capital Region Police Office fast-track administrative and criminal cases. Initial findings showed the officers allegedly failed to present documents to prove the legitimacy of the operation after homeowners reported missing personal belongings.

'There is no place in the PNP for abusive and criminal police officers. Whether rank-and-file or officer, anyone proven guilty will be removed from the organization,' Nartatez said.

Meanwhile, the PNP's Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) is investigating security agencies linked to the Christmas Eve shooting at a car dealership along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, where a security guard killed his two coworkers. The suspect, later arrested in Manila, was found to be unlicensed. SOSIA said it is also reviewing the liability of the deploying agency under the Private Security Services Industry Act.