By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
FORMER Police Officer Earl Borja was arrested Friday afternoon on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and misconduct in public office, according to the Department of Public Safety.
Borja’s bail was set at $20,000, DPS Public Information Officer Fred Sato said Sunday.
“Additional information will be provided as soon as we get it from the AG’s Investigation Division on Monday,” Sato said.
Borja, who resigned from DPS in January, is one of two officers accused of assaulting a 28-year-old man with a disability in Marpi on Dec. 19, 2025.
The other officer, identified as Elijah Villar, was placed on administrative duty. DPS did not release further information regarding Villar’s case.
The alleged assault was reported Dec. 22 by the victim’s father. The victim, who had visible injuries, was taken to the hospital by family members after the incident.
In a recent media statement, DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas said the criminal investigation into the alleged assault is nearly complete.
“Every officer has to treat each person with respect and dignity,” he said. “They cannot go out there and be rogue officers. This kind of behavior is uncalled for, and I do not tolerate it.”
Macaranas said Internal Affairs conducted an administrative review while the Attorney General’s Office handled the criminal probe. He emphasized that officers are expected to treat all members of the public with professionalism and respect.
