June 26, 2024 - Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate the reported presence of a SWAT team from Batangas during a recent networking company soft launch in Pasig City.
Secretary Abalos confirmed receiving reports and photos showing members of the SWAT team in uniform, some even carrying firearms, at the private event.
"Nag-isyu na ako ng direktiba sa Hepe ng Philippine National Police para agarang imbestigahan ito [I have already issued a directive to the Chief PNP for an immediate investigation into this]," Abalos said in a statement. "Aasahan ko ang ulat ng PNP sa lalong madaling panahon [I expect a report from the PNP as soon as possible]."
The DILG chief emphasized that the department will not tolerate the deployment of active police personnel for private purposes, including serving as escorts at private events.
"The DILG will not tolerate the deployment of our active police personnel as private escorts or for purely private purposes," Abalos stressed. "Rest assured that, under my watch, our police force is and will remain laser-focused on their legal mandate to ensure peace and order."
The investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the SWAT team's presence at the event and determine any potential policy violations.