MANILA (October 28) — A police officer assigned to Camp Crame faces administrative proceedings after his teacher partner from Mindanao accused him of nearly nine years of physical abuse, putting the National Police Commission’s commitment to disciplining officers accused of domestic violence to the test.
The teacher, identified only by the alias “Ma’am,” sought NAPOLCOM’s assistance on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in filing an administrative complaint against Police Cpl. Ricardo J. Silva Jr.
At a press briefing at NAPOLCOM’s central office in Quezon City, Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan vowed appropriate action while assuring that the case would be handled with due process.
“Hindi natin papayagan ang anumang uri ng karahasan laban sa kababaihan. Sa mga nakararanas ng pang-aabuso, huwag po kayong pumayag na saktan kayo, kahit sa unang pagkakataon pa lamang. Magsumbong po kayo sa awtoridad,” Calinisan said.
He said the commission’s disciplinary efforts would also cover police officers accused of abusing their partners or spouses.
“Maglilinis po tayo ng pulis. Bawal manakit ang ating kapulisan ng kahit na sino, lalo na po ng kanilang kinakasama o asawa,” he added.
The case now places the commission’s public assurances against domestic violence under scrutiny. The key test will be whether the complaint is investigated promptly and thoroughly, the allegations are assessed on the evidence, and any established misconduct results in appropriate disciplinary action.
Teacher urges women to seek help
The complainant recounted how she sought assistance after years of alleged abuse, saying a fellow teacher helped connect her with people who facilitated her trip to Metro Manila.
She credited NAPOLCOM officials with responding quickly to her request for help.
“Noong isang araw po, akala ko wala nang makaaahon sa akin sa impiyernong kinalalagyan ko,” she said.
She urged other women experiencing domestic violence to seek help rather than continue enduring abuse.
“Sa lahat ng battered women diyan, oras na po para lumabas kayo. Huwag n’yo na pong tiisin,” she said.
“Huwag n’yo nang hintayin na masiraan kayo ng bait, mawala ang mga pangarap n’yo sa buhay, o mawala ang mga pinaghirapan ninyo.”
Silva, who appeared at the briefing, publicly apologized.
“Sorry, Hon, sa nagawa ko. Sa mga kabaro ko, huwag n’yo akong tularan. Kung masama man ang loob n’yo, magdasal na lang,” he said.
“Sa lahat ng tao, humihingi po ako ng paumanhin sa mali kong nagawa,” he added.
NAPOLCOM said Silva would face administrative proceedings for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. The commission said the allegations would be investigated and that he would be afforded due process.
Silva’s apology, however, does not replace the need for a formal determination of the complaint. Accountability will ultimately depend on the findings of the administrative proceedings, the action taken on any substantiated violations, and the commission’s ability to demonstrate that police officers are held to the standards they are sworn to uphold.
