The ‘selfie’ of a police officer with an alleged murder suspect went viral on social media after he said he was “starstruck” by the man who once rose to popularity due to his viral video “Paano Mo Nasabi?”
Photos of police officer Janver Ignacio with the suspect circulated in some Facebook pages, which prompted him to post an explanation of the picture on October 24.
Ignacio said he asked permission from the suspect to pose with him since he is famous in social media.
“Natuwa lang po talaga ako sa kanya kasi iba pala talaga iyong pakiramdam pag kaharap mo iyong taong nakapagpatawa sa’yo kahit may problema ka,” Ignacio said in a Facebook post.
(I was just happy seeing him because seeing someone who makes you laugh despite your problems gives a different feeling.)
Videos of the suspect earlier went viral in social media after reporters asked him during his arrest if he used illegal drugs or had indeed stabbed his victim. He repeatedly answered playfully, “Paano mo nasabi?”
Ignacio said the photo was taken before the hearing on the suspect’s case. He added that other “starstruck” policemen also took the opportunity to take a selfie photo with the suspect.
The police officer said he is aware of the suspect’s case and urged netizens not to judge him until the decision of the court is handed out.
Ignacio then apologized to those angered by the photo but added that the suspect is good to chat with.
“Okay naman po pala siya kausap (He is good to chat with),” he said in jest.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said he can’t think of a law that bans police officers from posing for a photo with suspects but said that Ignacio’s action is “a bit inappropriate.”
“As a law enforcer, it is a bit inappropriate. Discernment should be exercised by our law enforcers,” he told INQUIRER.net.
Albayalde said he has ordered the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management of the PNP to identify the police station Ignacio belongs to so he can make him explain his actions. /ee