THE JAO FRANCIS MANCERA CASE: Napolcom finds lapses in NCPO’s crash probe

By JASON B. NEOLA

THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) Region 5 has found several deficiencies in the police investigation of the Sept. 20 vehicular accident in this city that resulted in the death of pedestrian Jao Francis Per Mancera, including failures to secure key evidence and conduct required tests.

Mancera, 31, was a school teacher at the Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City.

The findings cast doubt on the earlier claim of the Naga City Police Office Station 3 that it had conducted an impartial and thorough investigation of the incident.

Based on the Napolcom findings reproduced in a report circulating on social media, investigators failed to obtain affidavits from some material witnesses, secure important documents and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, and conduct field sobriety and alcohol breath tests.

The findings also cited delays in the filing of the case and the unauthorized release of an unregistered vehicle while the investigation was still ongoing.

Napolcom further noted deficiencies in the supervision of police officers handling the investigation, as well as in the disciplinary action taken against personnel who were reportedly seen drinking alcohol inside the police station.

The commission also recommended administrative investigations involving police personnel.

According to the reproduced findings, PSSg Jaymar A. Sierra was subjected to a motu proprio administrative investigation for possible grave neglect of duty and incompetence. Station 3 officer-in-charge PCpt. Sarah San Buenaventura was also to be investigated for possible grave neglect of duty under command responsibility.

Acting Naga City Police Office director PCol. Rizaldy L. Caballero was likewise facing possible administrative action, according to the findings.

Napolcom directed that due process be observed in the proceedings and that any liability be determined on the basis of evidence and applicable rules.

The findings came after Station 3 maintained that it had investigated the Sept. 20 accident, in which Mancera was struck by a vehicle while crossing a pedestrian lane.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo Naga on Sept. 22, San Buenaventura said the police investigation indicated that Mancera was crossing the pedestrian lane when he was hit. She also said there was no indication that the driver had consumed alcohol or was under the influence of illegal drugs.

Police said the driver remained at the scene and was facing a case in connection with the accident, while investigators were preparing documents, including the victim’s death certificate, for the filing of the case.

The Napolcom findings, however, specifically cited the failure to conduct field sobriety and alcohol breath tests and to gather testimony and other evidence that could have formed part of the investigation.

The findings do not by themselves establish the criminal liability of the driver or administrative liability of the police personnel named in the report. The administrative proceedings cited by Napolcom are subject to due process and determination based on evidence and applicable regulations.

Editor’s note: The Napolcom findings cited above were reproduced in a social media post and not taken from the original Napolcom investigation report or resolution. The exact document should be obtained and reviewed before publication of a final version, particularly the findings, recommendations and directives attributed to the commission.

INITIAL RESULTS OF THE NAPOLCOM PROBE

CULLED FROM RALPH CALINISAN’S POST:

Upon the instructions of NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Regional Office No. 5 has completed its initial validation into the reported procedural lapses in the police investigation of the vehicular incident in Naga City that resulted in the death of Jao Francis Per Mancera last September 20, 2026.

The validation identified several deficiencies in the conduct, documentation, supervision, preservation of evidence, and timely filing of the case.

Among the significant findings were the following:

1. Failure to secure affidavits from material witnesses, including the companions of the driver and Melchor Manalo, who reportedly witnessed the incident;

2. Failure to submit essential investigative documents during the inquest proceedings, including the investigation report, sketch, and photographs;

3. Failure to conduct field sobriety tests and administer an alcohol breath analyzer to determine whether the driver was under the influence of liquor at the time of the incident;

4. Failure to file the case within the appropriate period, reportedly due to inconsistencies in the documentation and the absence of basic requirements;

5. Failure to secure and submit available CCTV footage during the inquest proceedings and the subsequent filing of the case on September 25, 2026;

6. Unauthorized discharge or release of the unregistered vehicle while the investigation was ongoing;

7. Failure of the Officer-in-Charge of the Investigation (OCI) to adequately review the investigative documents and exercise proper supervision, which contributed to the delay in the filing of the case; and

8. Failure of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) to properly supervise and discipline police personnel who were reportedly drinking liquor inside the police station.

According to NAPOLCOM Region 5, these findings raise serious concerns regarding compliance with established police investigative procedures, the preservation and submission of evidence, the exercise of supervisory responsibilities, and the timely handling of a case involving the loss of human life.

In view of the findings, PSSG Jaymar A. Sierra, the Investigator-on-Case, is now being subjected to a motu proprio administrative investigation for possible Grave Neglect of Duty and Incompetence. His Station Commander, PCPT Sarah San Buenaventura, is likewise being investigated for possible Grave Neglect of Duty under the doctrine of command responsibility.

The Acting City Director of the Naga City Police Office, PCOL Rizaldy L. Caballero, will likewise be subjected to appropriate administrative action by the Commission in relation to the findings of the validation.

Commissioner Calinisan emphasized that accountability must be pursued without fear or favor in the investigation of police irregularities. “Tamaan na ang tamaan. Wala tayong sasantuhin dito. Pasensyahan tayo. The only way for people to believe in our investigation is by giving them the truth of what really happened,” Comm. Calinisan said.

Comm. Calinisan underscored that investigations must be conducted thoroughly, impartially, and objectively, with all relevant facts, circumstances, and pieces of evidence carefully examined. He stressed that no individual should be exempt from scrutiny by reason of rank or position, and that appropriate administrative action must be taken whenever violations are established.

Meanwhile, NAPOLCOM Region 5 Acting Regional Director Leilani P. Vecina said that they have undertaken the necessary assessment of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Their investigation found lapses on the part of the concerned PNP personnel in the handling of the case, and they will ensure that these findings are addressed through the appropriate processes.

The Commission emphasized that all concerned personnel will be afforded due process and that administrative proceedings will determine the appropriate accountability based on the evidence and applicable rules.