General Trias police chief, 2 other cops sacked for curfew violator’s death

MANILA, Philippines—The police chief of General Trias City in Cavite province and two other policemen were sacked from their posts following the death of a quarantine violator forced by police to perform strenuous exercise routines as punishment for violating curfew.

Lt. Col. Mario Solero was removed from his post as General Trias police chief and placed under supervision of the Cavite provincial police office, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in a statement on Wednesday (April 7).

Two other policemen—Corporals Jerome Vibar and Kennete Mercene—met the same fate.

The sacking of the officers came after the death of Darren Penaredondo, who allegedly violated the curfew being enforced in connection with enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Cavite province.

He died after he was ordered by police to perform 300 strenuous exercise routines.

Salero had denied Penaredondo was subjected to harsh punishment, saying no such thing happened.

But two others arrested for curfew violations, who were with Penaredondo, had submitted sworn statements supporting the narrative that curfew violators were being subjected to physical punishment, according to the PNP.

Administrative and criminal investigations are now being handled by the Cavite police provincial office, the PNP said.

“This is to also assure that the PNP does not tolerate any act that is inimical to the best interest of our people, particularly the aggrieved parties in the Peñaredondo case,” it said.

Peñaredondo, 28, was allegedly accosted by police while buying bottled water after curfew hours.

He and other quarantine violators were later made to do strenuous exercises by the police. Penaredondo was released in the morning of Good Friday but started to feel sick later.

He died after going into coma last Saturday.

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