12 police officers face probe for threatening LRT personnel

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Calderon ordered the relief of 12 members of Pasig City Police’s SWAT unit for allegedly threatening employees of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) last Valentine’s Day.

Calderon also directed Metro Manila police chief Reynaldo Varilla to conduct an investigation.

On Feb. 14, heavily police officers led by Senior Inspector Reydante Ariza and Senior Police Officer 3 Andreo Mendez marched to the LRT’s Santolan Station in Pasig and allegedly intervened in a dispute between the LRTA and a tenant. They were armed with M-16 and AK-47 assault rifles.

The LRTA was evicting a tenant for failing to pay monthly rentals for FX terminals but the lawmen tried to shield the tenant from eviction and also threatened LRTA personnel.

In defense, the Pasig City SWAT men earlier claimed they were there to check a reported bomb threat, but witnesses said they did not conduct clearing operations and instead harassed and took pictures of SUV and Tamaraw FX drivers. They later changed their alibi, claiming they were checking a report of trouble in the area.

Calderon will also order Pasig police chief Senior Superintendent Francisco Uyami to explain in writing if he really did allow his men to follow orders from a businessman who has connections with the Pasig City local chief executives."

The PNP chief met with LRTA chief Mel Robles last Monday and assured that he would take action.