Senator Raffy Tulfo condemned the actions of police officers involved in an arrest in Pandi, Bulacan, criticizing their attire and procedures during a Senate Committee hearing on Tuesday.

The inquiry, led by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, focused on the October incident where officers, donning ski masks and without proper uniforms, apprehended a man named Rodello Vicente.

Presenting video evidence during the hearing, Tulfo showcased the moment when officers, disguised and ununiformed, descended into a narrow alleyway before emerging with Vicente in custody.

The police, according to the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, were executing an arrest warrant for an individual named “Elmar,” believed to be harbored by Vicente.

However, Vicente denied any knowledge of Elmar’s whereabouts, asserting that neither he nor his household harbored the wanted individual. He further claimed that the officers’ entry into his home was unlawful and that his family faced physical aggression during the arrest.

Expressing outrage, Tulfo admonished the officers, accusing them of unlawful entry and condemning their use of force. “Illegal… illegal entry, these scoundrels were wearing ski masks,” he exclaimed during the hearing, lambasting the alleged disregard for due process.

Tensions escalated as conflicting narratives emerged regarding the arrest of Vicente’s son, with authorities asserting he was apprehended within their jurisdiction, while Vicente contended otherwise.

To resolve the discrepancies, Tulfo proposed subjecting both parties to polygraph tests.

During the proceedings, Tulfo also highlighted concerns regarding the ambiguity surrounding police powers to enter residences without search warrants, citing potential for abuse.

He cited Section 11 of Rule 113 under the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, urging precise definitions to prevent exploitation by law enforcement.

The hearing underscored broader issues within the Philippine National Police (PNP), prompting Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to reaffirm his commitment to police reform.