Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Archie Gamboa ordered the restrictive custody of 11 San Jose del Monte, Bulacan policemen after they were accused of murder and kidnapping by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over the fake “nanlaban” case.

“I will not tolerate any wrongdoing in the service. Those accused must be made to answer for their criminal acts. In the meantime, it is best that they are relieved from duty to eliminate any suspicion of whitewash or coddling,” Gamboa said in a statement on Thursday evening, August 13.

Case recap

Last Valentines day, February 14, policemen of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, kidnapped passersby, made them out to be drug suspects, killed them on separate instances, and faked stories of nanlaban (fighting back), according to the NBI.

The NBI filed complaints of murder, kidnapping, and planting of guns and drugs against 11 officials, including the city’s drug enforcement chief, for the elaborate killing of 6 men. (READ: U.N. rights chief: Deaths in PH anti-drug operations a ‘most serious concern’)

What happens now?

Gamboa’s order restricts the policemen’s movement within the police headquarters. Under a restrictive custody, policemen are usually detained first at their regional headquarters before being brought to the national police headquarters at Camp Crame.

The detention is to ensure they have no chance to escape as they face the NBI complaints against them. – with a report from Lian Buan/Rappler.com