Cop beaten up twice in a month

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman from Mandaluyong City was beaten up twice in four weeks.

Police Officer 2 Edgar Antipasado, of the Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) of the Mandaluyong City police, was hit in the face by Leonard Lara, 27, who is facing assault charges before the Mandaluyong City prosecutor’s office.

Antipasado said he was waiting for a ride at a tricycle terminal at the corner of Sierra Madre and Kanlaon Streets in Barangay Highway Hills when he was asked to leave by one of the tricycle drivers at about 4:30 a.m.

Antipasado identified himself as a policeman and explained that he was waiting for a companion. At this juncture, Lara arrived and punched him.

With the help of barangay officials, Antipasado – who was in civilian clothes – arrested Lara, who said he became angry because Antipasado demanded that his tricycle be taken out of the queue for passengers.

Last Feb. 10, Antipasado was helping secure the annual celebration of the Mandaluyong cityhood when two groups of teenagers clashed.

Antipasado tried to pacify both parties, who turned on him and beat him up.

In both incidents, Antipasado said he did not use his service firearm and simply let the rule of law prevail.