7 WPD cops accused of mauling pregnant vendor, pals

Seven Manila policemen are now facing investigation for allegedly mauling a pregnant vendor and three of her companions early yesterday in Malate, Manila during a supposed anti-drug operation.

Facing possible investigation are Senior Police Officer 1 Serafin Galpo, Police Officer 2 Redentor delos Santos, Police Officer 2 Edgar Lacson, Police Officer 2 Edwin Nobleza, a certain Police Officer 2 Landia and two still unidentified companions. The policemen are reportedly assigned at the Abad Santos police station (Station 7).

The alleged mauling victims were identified as Grace Aquino, 27, who is seven months pregnant; Ronalyn Hernandez, 18; Teresita dela Cruz, 45; and Gerald Poras, all residents of Remedios St., Malate. They were rushed to the Ospital ng Maynila.

According to reports, prior to the incident, the policemen were allegedly drinking at the Cowboy Grill restaurant along Remedios Street in Malate, Manila, at about 4:30 a.m.

One of the policemen then reportedly went out of the pub to buy cigarettes when he got into a spat with a cigarette vendor. He then went inside and returned with his other companions.

After reportedly failing to find the cigarette vendor, the reportedly drunk policemen vented their ire on Aquino, Hernandez, Dela Cruz and Poras.

But in their explanation at the Ermita police station (Station 5), the policemen said they were engaged in a legitimate anti-drug operation in the area when the victims reportedly interfered.

The policemen said the anti-drug operation started in Dagupan, Tondo with the arrest of suspected drug pusher identified as Aniceto Rodriguez, 29, at about 12:05 a.m.

According to the policemen, they were dispatched to conduct a follow-up operation in Malate. The policemen said they were chasing a suspect when a group, including Dela Cruz, allegedly ganged up on them. – Mike Frialde