Scared Pasig cops in viral video transferred to SAF

Two rookie policemen who were caught on video trying to hide during a shooting incident in Pasig City on Nov. 11 have been relieved and ordered to undergo retraining.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa approved the PNP directorate for personnel records and management’s order for the transfer of PO1 Herminio Manalastas and PO1 Jayson Riego. From the National Capital Region Police Office, the rookies were transferred to the PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) effective on Nov. 24, according to PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos.

In a statement, Carlos said the two were recommended to undergo “commando training,” including law enforcement refresher and military operations courses, with the SAF, the PNP’s elite mobile unit.

“We want that our policemen be ready to fight; courageous and not cowards—true policemen who go to fight and not run away from a fight. That is the culture we want to develop in the PNP. But, of course, [this attitude] should not be abused,” Carlos added.

In a video posted on social media that has gone viral, the two policemen were on routine patrol and seated inside a drugstore when a shooting victim ran into the establishment.

Instead of helping the victim and looking for the shooter, the lawmen ran next to the counter and hid, one of them nearly stepping on the victim in his haste.

The gunman also entered the drugstore but retreated when he saw the policemen.

The victim, later identified as Dominador Cruz, was brought to a hospital but died of gunshot wounds.

The conduct of the two policemen was criticized by netizens and Pasig police chief, Senior Supt. Orlando Yebra, ordered them relieved and investigated.

In a television interview, Yebra said the two lawmen might have been rattled by the sound of gunfire as the victim entered the store. Carlos, meanwhile, asked policemen not to treat lightly their responsibility to keep peace and order.

“In these times, our policemen should be sensitive to what is happening in their surroundings and to prioritize responding to those in need. We have this sworn duty to serve and protect and we have to be more dedicated because it is our mandated task,” he said.