Cops face councilors on slaughterhouse control
By Allison Lopez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:27:00 07/24/2008
MANILA, Philippines – We were hurt, too.
This was the sentiment of members of the Manila Police District Wednesday as they appealed to the City Council to look at the “bigger picture” as they claimed their officers were also injured during the city government’s controversial takeover of the Vitas slaughterhouse.
The police officials, led by MPD district director Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales, faced off with the councilors Wednesday during an investigation of the alleged harassment of their colleague Dennis Alcoreza on July 11.
Rosales said his officers, including Station 1 commander Supt. Rolando Miranda and District Special Project Unit head Supt. Alex Gutierrez, only reacted to the tense situation when they bodily removed the councilor and his sister Joyce from the premises.
“The police were unable to control their emotions, but they also acted on the actions inflicted on them. Who will determine who did it right or wrong?” he said.
PO1 Efryl Rose Francisco and SPO1 Ruby Hilado of Station 1 said a medico-legal report showed they were stabbed with a ballpen, bitten and scratched by Dealco official Joyce Alcoreza as they escorted her out.
The MPD chief asked the councilors to watch the “unspliced” or unedited footage of the forced eviction of the Alcorezas, who used to operate the abattoir through Dealco Farms Inc.
Miranda maintained that Dennis Alcoreza asked to be carried out, prompting Councilor Che Borromeo to ask: “Would you shoot him then if he asked for it?”
Rosales replied: “Our policemen are not dumb to do what Councilor Borromeo said. In the first place, those shown in the video favored Alcoreza. If our policemen did wrong, we will face the charges.”
The Alcorezas have sought the help of the Commission on Human Rights regarding alleged human rights violations committed by police and city government officials.
CHR Chair Leila de Lima Wednesday gave Manila officials, including Mayor Alfredo Lim, 10 days to file their counter-affidavits on the accusations against them. She said the commission would wait for the respondents’ answer before she calls both parties to a meeting. With Jocelyn R. Uy
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