MANILA, Philippines — The Calabarzon police are investigating its members who are allegedly involved in the reported mauling of a factory worker in Cavite over purported violation of quarantine rules, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Saturday.
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac in a statement said: “PRO4A (Police Regional Office 4A) has now started a probe on the alleged mauling incident in Gen. Trias, Cavite involving cops to determine the truth, real circumstances, and culpability if any.”
Earlier, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a press briefing that they will ask PNP chief Archie Gamboa to investigate the reported physical abuse against Ronald Campo, which reportedly sustained a fracture in his skull after he was beaten up by policemen on May 12.
Banac likewise said the PNP will not tolerate police personnel who will disregard human rights abuses while enforcing the law.
“As a matter of policy, the PNP adheres to standard police operational procedures, upholds rule of law and respects human rights, and does not tolerate any wrongdoing of its personnel,” he said.
The PNP has been under fire after netizens and human rights groups cited abuses in the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine rules such as the arrest of Spanish national Javier Parra by Police Senior Master Sergeant Roland Von Madrona over a heated argument related to Parra’s house helper not wearing a mask while watering plants in front their house inside a posh private subdivision.
Another issue hounding PNP’s enforcement of lockdown protocols was the killing of retired soldier Cpl. Winston Ragos who was shot dead by Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo near a checkpoint in Quezon City.
And the latest controversy involves Metro Manila police chief Director Debold Sinas and other police officials who attended the birthday bash for the National Capital Region Police Office boss while the metropolis was under enhanced community quarantine, which strictly prohibits all forms of mass gathering.