Makati city: The Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) has formally commenced a pre-charge investigation into six police officers accused of robbery-extortion in Makati City.

According to Philippines News Agency, IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay emphasized the thoroughness and uncompromising nature of the investigation. Dulay stated, "The Internal Affairs Service will leave no stone unturned in unmasking all those involved in this illegal activity." He further noted that criminal conduct within the police service will not be tolerated, and those found liable will face the full force of the law.

A pre-charge investigation serves as a preliminary evaluation to determine probable cause. The six officers, who were part of the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of the Malate Police Station in Manila, were apprehended on Wednesday by personnel from Makati Police Station Sub-Station 3 following a complaint. Another complainant subsequently identified the same officers as suspects in a separate robbery-extortion incident in Makati City. Currently, the officers are under the custody of the Makati City Police Station as parallel administrative and criminal proceedings are underway.

Dulay also mentioned that command responsibility is being scrutinized for potential lapses in supervision or accountability. As an immediate response, all DEU members of the Malate Police Station have been relieved of their posts pending the investigation. The PNP-IAS has initiated administrative cases that could lead to the officers' dismissal, while the Makati Police are preparing criminal charges.