Northern Police District Initiates Detention Facility Audit
The Northern Police District (NPD) announced a comprehensive audit of detention facilities in its stations and substations across Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela—commonly referred to as Camanava. This move aims to review detainee records and improve accountability following recent allegations of unlawful detention.
Brig. Gen. Jerry Protacio, NPD Director, emphasized the importance of this inspection. “We will have an inventory of jail facilities in Camanava… This will allow us to see who have been arrested at these stations, how many were freed, how many have a case,” he stated during a press briefing at the NPD headquarters.
Policy Changes in Detention Procedures
In response to the controversial case involving Jayson Dela Rosa, who was held without charges at Caloocan City Police Substation 2, Protacio ordered that all arrested individuals be transferred immediately to the main city police station for detention and investigation. This directive aims to prevent isolated detentions and ensure proper legal processes.
“They can no longer detain those they arrest at their substations. They should be brought to the Caloocan station, along with their investigators. They should go to the Caloocan headquarters,” Protacio explained, underscoring the need for centralized detention management.
Background on the Detention Controversy
The controversy erupted after Dela Rosa was detained for alleged theft at a convenience store. Although the store did not press charges, he was still held and later charged with illegal gambling. Tragically, his son Gelo died after wading through floodwaters in search of him and contracting leptospirosis.
Following this, Dela Rosa filed administrative complaints against the substation commander and four police personnel before the National Police Commission (Napolcom). Initially, three officers were implicated, but further investigations expanded the list to five.
Personnel Actions and Substation Overview
Subsequent to the complaints, the NPD relieved the substation commander and four other officers from their duties. Caloocan police chief Col. Joey Goforth disclosed that the city maintains 15 police substations—six in South Caloocan and nine in North Caloocan.
These developments highlight the Northern Police District’s commitment to transparency and reform within the detention system across Camanava.
Looking Ahead
The audit and policy reforms are expected to enhance detainee welfare and uphold legal standards throughout the Northern Police District. Officials remain focused on preventing similar incidents and restoring public trust.
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