Manila, Jan. 11 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged rape and physical abuse involving officers assigned in Manila and Cebu.

PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Directors of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas to relieve the two involved and place them under restrictive custody.

"Any complaint against our personnel is taken seriously not only to uphold discipline but also to send a strong message to the Filipino people that we do not condone any action that compromises the integrity and professionalism of their Philippine National Police," Nartatez said in a statement on Sunday.

"These two ...