In a significant development following a deadly incident in Palawan, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez announced on Monday, April 6, 2026, that four police personnel have been placed under restrictive custody. This action is directly linked to a tragic shootout that occurred last week in Puerto Princesa City, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers and an employee from the Bureau of Corrections (Bucor).
Commanders Relieved Amidst Investigation
General Nartatez has taken decisive steps by ordering the relief of key police officials in the area. Specifically, the commander of the Irawan police station and the chief of police for Puerto Princesa City have been removed from their positions in the aftermath of the violent encounter. This move underscores the PNP's commitment to accountability and thorough oversight as the investigation unfolds.
In-Depth Probe Launched by CIDG
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shootout. General Nartatez emphasized that critical questions must be addressed, particularly why some of the responding officers were not in uniform despite the PNP being on full alert status, and why they appeared to be under the influence of alcohol during the operation.
"We are thoroughly investigating this. The questions that need to be answered is why they were not in uniform when we are in full alert status. And why are they under the influence of liquor," Nartatez stated, highlighting the serious breaches of protocol that may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
Details of the Good Friday Incident
The tragic event unfolded on Good Friday, April 3, when six policemen from the Puerto Princesa City police station responded to a distress call at a wake held at the home of the Bucor employee in Barangay Irawan. What began as a routine police operation quickly escalated into a violent firefight, leading to the deaths of two of the responding officers and the Bucor employee. According to Nartatez, some of the officers involved were dressed in civilian attire and were intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
General Nartatez assured the public that the investigation is being conducted with complete impartiality and in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). He firmly declared, "We do not cover up, we do not whitewash. We will make sure that those responsible will be held accountable." This statement reinforces the PNP's dedication to upholding justice and maintaining public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Nartatez added, "This would have not happened if the chiefs of police or provincial directors are truly guiding our personnel," pointing to potential leadership failures that may have played a role in the tragedy. As the investigation progresses, the PNP aims to implement corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
