2 arrested for blocking police pursuit

MANILA, Philippines - Two men were arrested Wednesday afternoon after they allegedly blocked the path of policemen chasing a drug suspect in Quezon City.

Ert Maquiling and Cristeto Castillo were arrested at the corner of EDSA and Kamuning Road during a police operation in the area, said Chief Superintendent Richard Albano, director of the Quezon City Police District.

Because of what happened, the subject of the operation, a certain Jerry Lappad, escaped.

Senior Inspector Robert Razon, head of the QCPD’s anti-drugs unit, said policemen were arranging a transaction with Lappad in front of a church at past 5 p.m. when an unidentified man boarded a jeep and shouted to Lappad, telling him he was dealing with police officers.

This prompted Lappad to run off.

Razon said policemen went after Lappad but Maquiling and Castillo blocked their path, giving the suspect a chance to escape.

It was not clear why the two men blocked the law enforcers’ path.

When frisked, policemen seized from Maquiling an unlicensed .38 caliber revolver. Razon said Maquiling will be charged for carrying an unlicensed gun and he and his companion are facing charges of obstruction of justice.