NCRPO relieves cop who threatened to arrest man for cutting in line

NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — A San Juan City policeman was relieved of his post after he was caught on video swearing at and threatening to arrest a man who had cut in line at an eatery on Saturday night.

Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, ordered on Sunday the relief of Senior Master Sgt. Arnulfo Ardales, who was assigned at the San Juan Police Community Precinct 3.

Eleazar also assured the public of an impartial probe of the incident.

A five-minute video being circulated on social media caught a seething Ardales in his police uniform grabbing Aaron Estrada by the collar while the two were buying food at an eatery near the corner of Aurora Boulevard and R. Lagmay Street in San Juan City.

The policeman was also heard swearing at Estrada who reportedly cut in line.

“So what if I point my finger at you? File a complaint. You’re disrespectful,” Ardales said.

Eleazar, who watched the video, questioned why Ardales tried to arrest Estrada for vagrancy, an offense that had been decriminalized.

Estrada filed a complaint on Sunday against Ardales in the San Juan City Police Station.

Eleazar, meanwhile, guaranteed the safety of Estrada and his family should he pursue criminal charges against the policeman.

“We are public servants. We are here to serve and protect,” Eleazar said.