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‘WOW MALI:’ 3 COPS IN BALIWAG MISTAKEN IDENTIY INCIDENT FACE RAPS

admin July 19, 2026

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez said that the three police officers involved in a mistaken identity incident in Baliwag City, Bulacan have undergone inquest proceedings following the filing of criminal complaints against them.

Mendez said that among the charges filed against the three cops were physical injuries, unjust vexation, grave coercion, slander by deed, and attempted kidnapping.

He said that an administrative case is also being prepared against the trio by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

The case stemmed from an incident on July 16 at a restaurant in Bgy. Tangos, Baliwag City, where a businessman alleged that several individuals identifying themselves as police officers approached him and attempted to force him into a vehicle.

According to the complainant, the group later realized they had mistaken him for another person and immediately left the place.

Mendez said the swift filing of criminal charges demonstrates the Philippine National Police’s commitment to accountability under PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.’s Focused Agenda, particularly its Internal Cleansing Program aimed at ensuring erring personnel are held accountable for their actions.

“Ang agarang pagsasailalim sa inquest proceedings at pagsasampa ng kaukulang kaso laban sa mga sangkot na pulis ay malinaw na patunay na seryoso ang Philippine National Police sa pagpapatupad ng Internal Cleansing Program sa ilalim ng PNP Focused Agenda,” Mendez said.

“Walang sinuman ang higit sa batas, at anumang paglabag ng ating mga tauhan ay agad nating tinutugunan sa pamamagitan ng due process. Patuloy nating isusulong ang Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman sa pamamagitan ng pananagutan, propesyonalismo, at paggalang sa karapatang pantao,” he added.

The official assured the public that the PRO3 will continue to uphold transparency, professionalism, and accountability by ensuring that all complaints against police personnel are acted upon promptly, fairly, and impartially in accordance with the law and existing PNP policies.