THREE Baguio City police personnel were relieved over a complaint of racial discrimination and unprofessional conduct lodged by a US Navy serviceman against a night establishment along Leonard Wood Road last Oct. 21, 2022.
The said bar was also ordered closed and Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered an investigation into the incident where US Navy officer Michelot Joseph filed a complaint after being barred from entering the establishment allegedly due to his color and nationality. Joseph also raised concerns over the supposed unprofessional handling of the incident, leading to the relieving of the three cops.
The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) relieved the three yet unnamed cops for irregularity in the performance of duty, subjecting the three to a refresher seminar on first responders and phraseology.
Acting BCPO City Police Director PCol. Francis Bulwayan also issued a memorandum to all BCPO personnel to abide by the provisions of Memorandum Circular 2016-002 and Republic Act 6713 to ensure respect for diversity.
Meanwhile, City Permits and Licensing Officer Allan Abayao said that the establishment in question was ordered to stop operating as a bar as its existing business permit was only for restaurant operations.
