Makati brawl also an assault to entire PNP, says spokesperson

PNP spokesperson Wilben Mayor. INQUIRER.net file photo

The confrontation between Vice President Jejomar Binay and the police forces at the Makati City Hall on Monday is an assault to the entire Philippine National Police (PNP).

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said this as he maintained that anyone, even if it was the Vice President, who violated the law should be held accountable.

“Definitely you have to file charges against those who committed crime against you. Actually, it’s not an assault against your person, it’s an assault against the organization,” Mayor said in a press briefing on Thursday.

The PNP had vowed full support for its men who were allegedly manhandled and threatened by the Vice President and his supporters during a two-day standoff at the Makati City Hall.

Twelve policemen were hurt in the incident.

“It is not only a crime against a person, it is a crime against the state. Policemen represent the state,” Mayor said.

On Thursday, Binay reportedly invited Senior Supt. Elmer Jamias for a meeting through his emissaries. Binay allegedly wanted to apologize to Jamias for his actions.

● Police exec Jamias: VP mocked my being a cop; PNP to file charges

The Southern Police District deputy chief for administration, however, said he was bent on filing charges against the Vice President.

But for Mayor, what the Binay camp did against the PNP personnel could not be erased by his apologies.

“Kung nagkasala tayo, hihingi tayo ng paumanhin. Subalit kung nagawa mo na ang violation ng isang batas, ang paghingi ng isang paumanhin ay hindi mae-erase ang ginawa mo,” Mayor said, adding it would be up to Jamias if he would accept Binay’s apology.

As a member of the 150,000-strong force, the PNP spokesperson said he was hurt seeing his colleagues being mistreated by Binay and his supporters.

Earlier, PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina backed his men, saying they would provide legal support to police officers who would file charges against Binay.

A special investigating task group is formed to probe the incident. It will be headed by Senior Supt. Tomas Apolinario, chief of the directorial staff of SPD.