Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, NCRPO chief (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — A Marikina policeman was relieved of his post after allegedly assaulting an eight-year-old boy in Pasig City, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said on Tuesday.
Eleazar said he relieved Police Staff Sgt. Nicolas Lapie Jr. after being caught physically assaulting a child, who was merely watching a basketball game in Barangay Bambang in Pasig City on Sunday at 7:56 p.m.
Lapie was seen holding the neck of the boy and started beating him up.
Concerned citizens then pacified Lapie and later brought him at the Women and Children Protection Desk of the Pasig police station.
Lapie was charged with physical injury in connection with Republic Act 7610 or Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
Eleazar said Lapie is currently detained at the Pasig City police station custodial cell.
Lapie was formerly assigned at the Marikina police station.
Aside from Lapie, Eleazar also recently relieved Senior Master Sgt. Arnulfo Ardales of San Juan City police after he threatened to arrest a man who had cut in line at an eatery in San Juan City.
READ: NCRPO relieves cop who threatened to arrest man for cutting in line
Eleazar then vowed protection for the victims’ family members who plan to file complaints against the law enforcers.
“I urged the families of the victims to file complaints against these two abusive policemen. I also assured them that they and their families will be protected,” Eleazar said in a statement. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)