Four police officers in Rizal have been temporarily relieved from their posts pending an investigation into alleged negligence in handling the robbery case involving celebrity chef Myke Sarthou, popularly known as Chef Tatung, the Rizal Police Provincial Office said Tuesday.
According to a report by Edniel Parrosa, Rizal Provincial Police Director Police Col. June Barber confirmed that two officers assigned in Antipolo City and two in Baras, Rizal, were relieved after personnel from the two jurisdictions allegedly passed responsibility for the case between them.
The case stemmed from a robbery at Sarthou’s residence on September 25, which reportedly resulted in property losses and damages amounting to around P4 million.
Since the residence is located near the boundary of Antipolo City and Baras, the chef allegedly encountered difficulties seeking police assistance, prompting him to turn to barangay officials for help.
In a separate statement, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Randolf Tuaño said the investigation would also cover the chiefs of police of the two areas, as well as the Rizal provincial director.
The PNP stressed that police officers are mandated to assist the public regardless of jurisdiction, emphasizing that they serve as members of the national police force and not merely as local police personnel.
“While you are assigned to a specific area, we in the Philippine National Police are mandated to render assistance to anyone, anywhere, who asks for our help,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, authorities arrested suspects in Antipolo City on October 26 in connection with the robbery. Police reportedly recovered a watch, along with several kitchen tools and decorative items suspected to have come from Sarthou’s residence.
The investigation into the alleged lapses in the handling of the case remains ongoing.
