Catbalogan City, Samar -- An alleged case of police maltreatment involving two minors in Tacloban City has drawn public attention after a disturbing video surfaced showing what appeared to be a police officer pouring liquid onto the heads of two boys suspected of solvent abuse along Avenida Veteranos last July 5, 2025.
The video, which quickly circulated online, shows the minors crouched down while a uniformed officer empties a bottle over them. Many viewers initially believed the substance was rugby, a commonly abused solvent. However, Police Station 2 Chief Major Shenna Layug later clarified that the substance was soft drink, based on the explanation given by the officer captured in the footage.
According to the initial police report, officers on duty apprehended the two street children, who were allegedly caught sniffing rugby in public. However, claims soon emerged that the minors were subjected to physical abuse, which the Tacloban City Police Sub-Station has since denied.
One of the boys, a Grade 7 student, later told media and family members that he did not have any rugby on him at the time. He claimed it was a classmate — someone he had met in the street — who had been carrying the substance. The boy recounted that the police officer allegedly took a bottle tucked in the waistband of the other minor, then proceeded to slap him on the face and hit him on the head before pouring the liquid over both of them.
The boy’s mother and grandmother have expressed deep distress over the incident. They confirmed they are preparing to file a formal complaint and sought legal advice at the Hall of Justice. The child's medical examination reportedly showed physical irritation and trauma to the head, which they believe is consistent with the boy’s account.
Further aggravating the situation, the family said the officer in question, identified as Patrolman Jude Baldomero, visited their home, allegedly knelt before them, and asked for forgiveness. He even offered to pay for the child’s CT scan, but the family refused the apology and is determined to pursue legal action.
Tacloban City Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Allan Camasin confirmed that Patrolman Baldomero has been removed from his post at Sub-Station 2 and is now under restricted custody while a full investigation is underway.
Camasin admitted that, based on the video, the officer’s handling of the situation did not align with proper procedure, especially in dealing with minors. “The actions seen in the video are not reflective of PNP protocols. We are committed to ensuring accountability,” he said.
This case reignites the call for maximum tolerance, especially within the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Maximum tolerance is not only a policy—it is a core value of the PNP, meant to safeguard the dignity and rights of all, including those in vulnerable conditions such as minors.
The PNP’s mandate is clear: to serve and protect, to enforce the law without cruelty or abuse, and to always prioritize human rights and due process. Children, even those who may be in conflict with the law, must be treated with compassion and referred to the proper child welfare agencies.
While Patrolman Baldomero has yet to issue a public statement, the investigation is ongoing. The Tacloban City Police Office assures the public that any personnel found guilty of misconduct will face appropriate criminal and administrative charges.
As this story unfolds, the greater challenge remains — to ensure that justice is served, and that the trust between the public and the PNP is preserved through professionalism, accountability, and strict adherence to ethical conduct.
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