Cop accused of beating neighbor to death surrenders

MANILA, Philippines - A rookie policeman from the Eastern Police District (EPD), who allegedly joined his father in beating their neighbor to death in Manila Sunday, surrendered to his superiors yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Mario Soriano, EPD officer-in-charge, disarmed Police Officer 1 Reynold Lopez and relieved him from his post at the District Mobile Force (DMF).

Soriano said Lopez has been reporting for work since Sunday. He denied having attacked Leopoldo de la Cruz, who works as a driver and mechanic for the Manila city government, at the height of a heated argument along Favia street in Tondo Sunday.

“He denied taking part in the (beating), claiming it was his father (Rafael Lopez) who was involved but he refused to elaborate,” said Soriano in an interview.

De la Cruz’s granddaughter, Lani Caparas, however, said the younger Lopez repeatedly pistol-whipped the victim and slammed his head against a wall.

De la Cruz died while being treated at a hospital due to a fractured skull and brain hemorrhage.

After learning that homicide investigators from the Manila Police District are hunting him down, Lopez gave himself up to Soriano.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered yesterday an investigation of the incident and the filing of appropriate charges against the policeman and his father.                              – With Sandy Araneta