SWAT members get support from Banilad residents

Some residents in barangay Banilad, Cebu City expressed support to the operatives of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) who are facing charges for mauling a Papua New Guinea national in a violent arrest.

Six residents, who live near the Alicia Tower where Bennidict Penini stayed, showed up at the office of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) to voice their support for SPO2 Bradford Lavandero and PO1 James Philip Tanza.

The policemen were caught on video hitting Penini while trying to arrest him for drunken behavior last Sept. 9.

The foreigner was hit with the rear end of an Armalite rifle and was kicked while sprawled on the ground. The commotion took place after the foreigner struck a taxi driver in the face with a rock .

The police rushed to the area after receiving a report that a foreigner ran amuck while looking for his countrymen who allegedly mauled him in a drinking binge.

Penini filed charges for violation of  the Republic Act 9745 also known as the Anti-Torture Act of 2009 against the two policemen and a separate complaint for physical injuries before the Commission on Human Rights.

PO1 Labandero and PO1 Tanza were relieved from their posts after the incident and reassigned to the Police Regional Office 7.

One of the residents, Johana Salvado, 45, said they considered the two policemen as “heroes” for responding to the alarm.

She said it was the third time that the foreigner caused trouble in the area. She said they called the police during those incidents but they were  instead advised to ask assistance from barangay tanods.

Salvado said Penini was a threat in their area and stirs up trouble especially when drunk. She said she and her family were on their way to hear Mass during the Sept. 9 incident but had to go back home due to the trouble caused by Penini.

“Puro sila dagko, mahalok mi nila katy mga bastos og isog, they were very violent,” she said.

Residents in the area said they hope that the policemen will be reinstated.

Salvado said what was shown on TV was just a portion of what really happened.

She said the television network should show the whole incident.

Chief Insp. Bonifacion Garciano said Salvado’s statement could serve as  mitigating circumstances in the investigation to determine what sanctions to impose against the two policemen./CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON