CALOOCAN CITY — At least five police officials in Caloocan City, have been temporarily relieved of their duties following the circulation of a viral video showing officers forcibly entering a residential area during a hot pursuit operation.

The incident occurred in Barangay 178 in the early hours of February 26. According to Police Lieutenant Russelle Fang, commander of the Camarin Police Substation, his team entered the area around 2:30 AM after receiving reports that a shooting suspect had fled through the neighborhood.

The operation followed a fatal shooting reported at 11:20 PM on February 25 along Avocado Street, corner Mangga, in Barangay 178. A woman identified only as “Raquel,” 34, was shot twice in the head by an unidentified man wearing a white t-shirt. She died instantly.

Authorities are investigating whether the killing was drug-related, as the victim had previously struggled with drug dependency before completing a barangay-led rehabilitation program.

Viral Video Sparks Public Outcry

Footage uploaded on Facebook by a user named “Raghine” showed a confrontation between police officers and local residents. In the caption, the uploader wrote: “Yan ang ginawa niyo sa bahay namin. 3 AM ng madaling araw, tulog lahat ng tao sa bahay! Sinira niyo ang gate namin at pilit kayong pumasok kahit wala kayong search warrant!”

One video captured a woman arguing with a police officer, accusing them of disturbing residents. The officer insisted they were searching for a fleeing suspect. Fang later stated that when police arrived, residents were already shouting at them.

“They said we always do this to them, but this was our first time entering the area,” Fang said.

The lieutenant maintained that the police acted within their authority under the hot pursuit doctrine, which allows officers to enter properties without a warrant when chasing a fleeing suspect.

Questions Over Seized Items

The video also showed a woman claiming that officers had seized a bag containing only trash materials. Police later inspected the bag and found it contained clothes belonging to a woman and a child.

“The investigator verified, and upon checking, it contained the clothes of a woman and a child. By morning, a couple claimed the bag, and they said that all belongings in the bag were complete,” Fang added.

Police Officials Placed on Leave

In response to the controversy, Caloocan City Police Chief Colonel Edcille Canals confirmed that Fang and four other officers had been placed on administrative leave.

“There is an allegation of conducting an illegal search, so we are conducting an investigation. To assure an impartial and transparent investigation, we placed them on administrative leave,” Canals said.

Northern Police District Acting Director Colonel Josefino Ligan reaffirmed the department’s commitment to accountability.

“The Caloocan City Police Station remains committed to professionalism and accountability. We urge the public to allow due process and report any relevant information to assist in the investigation,” Ligan said in a statement.

Authorities continue to investigate whether police procedural violations occurred during the operation.

📷Raghine FB