Three personnel from the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) were relieved after they were caught redirecting CCTV cameras during a raid at Century Peak Tower in Manila.
According to ACG Director PolGen. Rommy Francis Carriaga, the three officers were immediately relieved from duty as an administrative investigation into the incident is underway.
Initial information revealed that the air conditioning and elevator were intentionally turned off by the hotel on the afternoon of October 31. Due to the heat, the officers were compelled to remove their uniforms and walk from the 1st to the 23rd floor.
The CCTV cameras were reportedly repositioned to avoid capturing images of the officers, some of whom had removed their uniforms.
"The PNP ACG is concerned about the welfare of the police officers, but we take this incident very seriously and will not tolerate such actions. Sanctions will be imposed if these police officers are found liable," said Cariaga.
The dismissed officers are currently facing administrative proceedings and are placed with the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (PHAS).
The PNP earlier asserted that the ongoing operation is legitimate, with the 23rd floor of Century Peak Tower still being treated as a crime scene due to the company’s alleged involvement in a cryptocurrency scam.
