Cop who arrested radioman earlier earned praises; Napolcom probe on

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) will be conducting its own investigation of the case of a radio reporter who was arrested by a Marikina policeman for allegedly behaving arrogantly.

Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, who also chairs the Napolcom, has ordered the agency to determine whether SPO2 Manuel Laison Jr. manhandled dzRH reporter Edmar Estabillo after the latter asked for permission to check the police blotter.

At that time, Laison was the desk officer on duty at the Marikina police headquarters.

The Inquirer learned Thursday that Laison has been the recipient of two letters of commendation so far this year for his “exemplary work.”

According to Marikina police chief Senior Supt. Vincent Calanoga who said he issues the letters to his men for their “significant accomplishments,” he cited the policeman for arresting two suspects, one for robbery and the other for drugs.

He added that Laison was also the recipient of other awards although he did not know what these were.

The citations given to the policeman, Calanoga said, attest to Laison’s efficiency and seriousness in carrying out his duty.

Sarmiento, meanwhile, said their investigation would determine if Laison’s actions warrant the imposition of administrative sanctions against him.

The Napolcom, a civilian agency, has administrative and operational control over the 160,000-strong Philippine National Police.

“The Napolcom is at the forefront of its campaign for improved police discipline and integrity. We will not tolerate police officers whose nefarious acts taint the image of the PNP,” Sarmiento added.

He assured the public that the agency would not tolerate any wrongdoing committed by any policeman.

Laison has been relieved of his post and reassigned to the District Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit after he placed Estabillo under arrest for allegedly acting arrogantly toward him on Tuesday morning.

Estabillo, who was detained overnight at the police station, was ordered released on Wednesday by a Marikina City prosecutor pending the conduct of a preliminary investigation into the direct assault, unjust vexation and simple disobedience charges the policemen filed against him.

Estabillo, who covers the eastern part of Metro Manila for dzRH, was arrested after, according to police officials, he got irked when Laison asked him to identify himself.

Estabillo, on the other hand, claimed that it was Laison who behaved arrogantly when he asked to see the police blotter. Rudolph Steve Jularbal, dzRH station manager, has said that they were planning to file countercharges against the policeman.

Eastern Police District (EPD) Director Chief Supt. Elmer Jamias said that Laison would undergo a drug test and psychological evaluation “to determine his stress level condition.”

A fact-finding committee led by EPD deputy director for administration Senior Supt. Gregorio Lim is also investigating the incident.