Capoy: Due process will be observed
CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has assured the public that appropriate sanctions will be imposed on 16 police personnel, including the chief of the Dolores Municipal Police Station in Eastern Samar, after they were allegedly caught drinking alcoholic beverages inside their station during a Christmas party.
Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy, regional director of PNP-8, confirmed that the incident, which occurred on December 16, is being taken seriously and that the full force of the law will be applied.
“They will face the consequences of their actions, but at this time, they are still presumed innocent until proven otherwise,” Capoy said in an interview on the sidelines of the Media Appreciation event hosted by PRO-8 on December 19.
Photos of the alleged drinking session circulated widely on social media, prompting public outrage and highlighting the need for stricter discipline among police personnel.
In response, the 16 individuals were relieved from their posts and temporarily reassigned to the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office in Borongan City pending the outcome of the administrative investigation.
Police personnel from nearby towns were temporarily deployed to the Dolores station to ensure that public safety and police services in the area were not affected.
The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office and the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, with due process strictly observed. Capoy emphasized that the probe aims to uphold both accountability and fairness.
The incident also prompted the regional director to remind all police personnel to maintain strict discipline and professionalism at all times, including refraining from alcohol consumption even at home.
He expressed personal disappointment over the controversy, noting that while human error is understandable, such behavior cannot be condoned.
“There is some sympathy, because they are also just human beings. But I do not condone their mistake,” Capoy said.
Capoy further revealed that he even considered tendering his resignation in light of the public backlash, underscoring the seriousness with which he views the incident.
The PNP-8 reaffirmed its commitment to restoring public trust and ensuring that all personnel adhere to the highest standards of conduct.
JOEY A. GABIETA
