Lawman disarmed, suspended for beating 2 boys

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday ordered the suspension and disarming of a policeman after two boys accused him of slapping and punching them.

During the weekly “People’s Day” held at the city hall, Lim directed MPD deputy director Senior Superintendent Alex Gutierrez to coordinate with MPD director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla for the immediate suspension of PO3 Froilan Lopez, said to be assigned at the MPD Station 3’s Barbosa precinct, for 30 days pending the outcome of an investigation into the complaint against him.

Lim also directed Chief Inspector Marcelo Reyes, who heads the Manila City Hall police, to file appropriate charges against Lopez and his unidentified woman companion, who was also accused of hurting the complainants.

The two boys, brothers aged 10 and 11, told Lim said that at past midnight on June 10, they were throwing slippers at each other along R. Hidalgo street in Quiapo, when a slipper hit Lopez in the neck as he was passing by on a motorcycle.

The woman reportedly pinched the older boy’s ear while Lopez beat him, kneed him in the back and slammed his head against a wall.

The younger boy said he asked Lopez to stop, but the policeman slapped him and pointed a gun at him. The boy said he ran and sought the help of his mother and neighbors.

Gutierrez said administrative charges will also be filed against Lopez, who is facing charges of grave threats and physical injuries in relation to the anti-child abuse law before the Manila prosecutor’s office.