How a son’s leptospirosis death led to the sacking of 7 Caloocan cops

MANILA, Philippines – The National Police Commission (Napolcom) ordered the dismissal of seven Caloocan cops involved in the illegal arrest of a father whose son died after contracting leptospirosis while looking for him.

Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan announced on Wednesday, December 10, that the commission’s en banc ordered the dismissal of the following police officers from service over grave misconduct, grave dishonesty, incompetence, oppression, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer:

• Police Captain Romel Caburog
• Police Lieutenant Jeffren Aganos
• Police Master Sergeant Ryan Candelario
• Police Staff Sergeant (PSSG) Stephen Somlani
• PSSG Darwin Indiongco
• PSSG Rodolfo King Bautista
• Police Corporal Marvin Resumadero

Calinisan said they found substantial evidence against cops, finding them liable for the arrest and prolonged detention of Jayson dela Rosa in July 2025.

Not knowing that he was under police custody, his wife as well as his son, Angelo, looked for him amid rain and floods. Angelo contracted leptospirosis while searching for his father and later died.

Caloocan Bishop Cardinal Virgilio Pablo David assisted the family in reaching out to the Napolcom to file the administrative complaints. Later, the Napolcom found that Dela Rosa’s detention was unlawful, and that the cops falsified documentation and fabricated criminal complaints against the man.

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“The findings reveal a clear abuse of power and a blatant disregard for due process and human rights. Such actions have no place in the police service,” Calinisan said.

“The Commission remains firm in its mandate to cleanse the police service of erring personnel. We owe it to the public to ensure that the Philippine National Police upholds professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rule of law,” he added. – Rappler.com