A police officer was taken into custody after allegedly putting three minors at risk during an incident at a resort in Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, on the afternoon of August 3, 2025.

The suspect, identified as Police Patrolman Celso Perecio Jr. of the Traffic Enforcement Unit under the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO), was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the event, according to the Mobile Patrol Unit (MPU) personnel who responded.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, the city police spokesperson, stated that their office received a 911 emergency call reporting an act of violence at the resort. MPU officers promptly arrived at the scene and identified Perecio through the victims who were present.

The three victims, all 16-year-old residents of Sitio Sto. Niño, Barangay Basak, recounted that while they were swimming, the officer suddenly approached them, dragged them into deeper water, and forcibly submerged them. Fearing drowning, the minors called out for help, which attracted nearby attention.

"He is currently held in the custodial facility at Station 4. From a criminal standpoint, we are awaiting the complainants to file formal charges for child abuse under Republic Act 7610. Concurrently, an administrative investigation is in progress," Torres explained.

If the victims proceed with legal action, Perecio faces criminal charges under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse law and potentially dismissal from the police force, which is the most severe sanction in the ongoing administrative case.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and further updates will depend on the formal filing of complaints by the victims.