The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is conducting an investigation into the incident involving a police officer who failed to respond to the commission of a crime in his presence.

“We do not condone any act of neglect or failure to perform duty, especially in situations where police presence is critical to public safety. We assure the public that this matter is being addressed with urgency, transparency, and fairness,” Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay said in a statement yesterday.

The police officer, with a rank of lieutenant, was seen in an undated viral video with two individuals who were throwing bottles during a drinking session in Barangay Punong, Lapuz, Iloilo City.

Lt. Colonel Joem Malong, public information officer of PRO-NIR, said they saw the closed-circuit television video being circulated online yesterday, prompting Ibay to relieve the police officer from his post at the Regional Logistics and Research Development Division in Iloilo City.

“Upon review and verification of the incident, immediate actions were taken to uphold accountability and reinforce our commitment to public trust and professional conduct,” she said.

Malong said the concerned personnel was reassigned to the Regional Personnel Holding Administrative Unit, while the formal investigation is being conducted by the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division.

She said the police officer was also required to surrender his issued firearm. (PNA)