Parañaque transport group sues cops

A Parañaque City-based transport group Wednesday accused the city police of illegally arresting their officers and members Tuesday morning.

In a statement, United Overseas Contract Workers Transport Cooperative chairman Bob Macahilig said that his group filed charges of abuse of authority, violation of human rights, and warrantless arrest against Superintendent Ruben Catabona and several other members of the Parañaque city police.

Macahilig said the charges were filed with the National Police Commission, the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Department, and the office of National Capital Regional Office chief Director Edgardo Aglipay.

Catabona and his men reportedly arrived at around 7 a.m. on March 26 at the transport group’s terminal located at Dr. Arcadio Santos Avenue (Sucat) corner President’s Avenue and began arresting drivers.

They also towed away several of the group’s vehicles.

Macahilig further stated that when he arrived at the scene, he "courteously greeted Catabona but the Parañaque police chief pulled him out of his car and ordered his men to handcuff and arrest him along with his (transport group) members."

The police reportedly failed to show a warrant of arrest.

Macahilig and his companions were later brought to the PNP Headquarters along Coastal Avenue and were held for six hours before being brought to the office of a city fiscal on charges of obstruction.

The fiscal, identified only as Attorney Tabaqiro, however, questioned the charges and arrest and ordered Macahilig and the rest of the group released, the statement further read.

The STAR tried but failed to reach Catabona for his comment.

The transport group has claimed that its members are being harassed by city hall officials, led by city administrator Antonio "Lito" Abad.