The reputation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has once again been severely tarnished following a high-profile case involving robbery and a serious sexual offense committed by its own officers.

On November 23, 2025, news broke that a large group of PNP officers had been accused of violating the law they swore to uphold, sparking widespread public outrage and condemnation.

The Assault Under the Guise of Authority

The incident occurred on November 22, 2025, in Bacoor City, Cavite. An 18-year-old Grade 9 student and online seller, home alone, filed a complaint with the Bacoor Municipal Police Station, accompanied by her traumatized family.

According to the victim’s sworn testimony, a group of up to 14 armed men arrived at her residence in a red Toyota Innova and motorcycles, all wearing face masks.

The group identified themselves as police operatives assigned to the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) Special Operations Unit Calabarzon, claiming they were conducting an operation targeting her boyfriend.

Despite the victim’s insistence that her boyfriend was not present, the men became aggressive, forcibly entering the house under the pretense of an official search.

The intrusion quickly turned criminal. The officers began to ransack the house, stealing cash, cellphones, and various valuables.

The theft did not satisfy the group’s alleged criminal intent. The group leader forcibly took the young victim into her room, ordered his subordinates to secure and lock the front door, and proceeded to commit a serious sexual offense against the 18-year-old student.

After the traumatic incident, the officers threatened the victim with harm if she reported the incident. They then fled, taking not only the stolen valuables but also her yellow Mio 125 motorcycle and helmet.

The victim’s grandmother later found her in a state of shock and distress. It took hours for the victim to overcome her trauma and disclose the full extent of the robbery and sexual assault.

Arrest Within the Barracks

Upon receiving the complaint, the Bacoor PNP immediately launched an investigation, gathering CCTV footage that confirmed the arrival of the suspects’ vehicle.

Authorities quickly identified the suspects as active PNP members assigned to the PDEG Special Operation Unit of the Calabarzon Zone.

In a swift, decisive follow-up operation launched early on November 23, the police moved on Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City, Laguna.

An internal operation resulted in the arrest of eight of the implicated officers right inside the camp barracks, including a Police Lieutenant, a Police Master Sergeant, and six Patrolmen and Corporals. Six other officers remain at large and are currently being pursued.

The arrested officers were disarmed and transported to the Bacoor City Municipal Police Station. From them, authorities recovered various firearms, the red Toyota Innova, the victim’s stolen motorcycle, several plates, buy-bust money, and illegal drugs with an estimated street value of PHP 584,800.

The recovery of illegal drugs and buy-bust money strongly suggests the officers were using their official duties—and potentially evidence—to cover up their criminal activities.

The commander of the entire PNP Drug Enforcement Special Unit Calabarzon was immediately relieved of duty for failing to properly supervise his subordinates.

Charges and Public Outrage

The arrested officers face multiple, severe charges, including Robbery in Band (due to the crime being committed by an armed group) and violating the Anti-Rape Law (RA 8353).

Though only the team leader allegedly committed the sexual offense, the remaining officers are also liable for violating the Anti-Rape Law because they were present and actively facilitated the commission of the crime by standing guard.

The incident has severely damaged the already strained public trust in the PNP. While some attempted to defend the suspects, the clear evidence of Robbery in Band, the lack of documentation for a legitimate search, and the heinous sexual assault leave the officers without any credible defense.

The victim bravely asserted her intention to fight for her rights and pursue the severe violation of her human dignity. The case serves as a profound warning that abuse of authority, particularly within law enforcement, will not be tolerated.