HPG investigating enforcer’s complaint

MANILA, Philippines - The Highway Patrol Group has started its pre-charge investigation of a complaint by a traffic enforcer who claimed he was beaten up by two HPG police officers following an argument over a confiscated driver’s license.

“The summary hearing board of the HPG will now determine if there is probable cause. If probable cause is determined, the board will start its summary hearing proceedings next week,” HPG director Chief Superintendent Arnold Gunnacao told The STAR.

He said the penalty that may be imposed on Senior Inspector Joel Maranion and Senior Police Officer 2 Norman Interino will depend on the gravity of the offense, which will be determined by the summary hearing board.

Gunnacao said the two policemen have been recalled from their post at EDSA and ordered back to the HPG headquarters in Camp Crame. He added that the HPG officers have not been placed under suspension even as the investigation is ongoing.

According to Emerson Carlos, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager for operations, traffic enforcer Leon Trinidad reported that Maranion and a subordinate, whom he failed to identify, allegedly beat him up after he failed to produce the driver’s license of Mark Nicolas on Sept. 22.

Carlos said the MMDA has referred the incident to the agency’s legal department for appropriate action against the HPG personnel involved.