'No tension between Malabon cops, soldiers'

MANILA, Philippines - Military and police officials allayed fears of Malabon residents that there is a growing tension and animosity between police officers and soldiers in the city, following a brawl involving their men in a videoke bar last Wednesday morning.

Both camps gave their assurances after police launched a manhunt for two soldiers who allegedly shot dead an off-duty policeman in a fight inside the bar.

Maj. Gen. Jogy Leo Fojas, National Capital Region Command chief, said the brawl was not job-related nor did it arise from professional jealousy.

Fojas was paying a courtesy call on Malabon City Mayor Canuto Oreta and visiting Senior Superintendent Roberto Vilanueva, Malabon City police chief, when The STAR interviewed him.

Villanueva also echoed Fojas’ statement that there is no tension among his men and soldiers in his area.

“They were under the influence of liquor. The soldiers were with women. There was jealousy and they got provoked so that resulted in a fight,” explained Villanueva.

He said superiors of the two soldiers assured police authorities that they would turn over the suspects for inquest proceedings today.

Villanueva told The STAR that Fojas had directed Major Otto Thomas Aquinas Pacia, commander of the 750th Battalion Special Operations Wing stationed in Tonsuya, Malabon, to cooperate with police authorities and present the suspects in court. – Jerry Botial