Pampanga town police chief, 4 others sacked

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines – The chief of police of Masantol town and four of his men were removed from their posts after the owner and employees of a local bar filed charges against them.

Chief Inspector Jowen dela Cruz and his men – Police Officers 3 Rogelio Carpio and Eduardo Capily, Police Officer 2 Jay dela Cruz and Police Officer 1 Mark Louie Alapriz – were ordered relieved on Monday.

The relief of the officers stemmed from complaints filed by Angelica Magtalas-Pineda,   her husband Andres, Alvin Magtalas, Wilmar Venci Mercado, Mary Jane Cortez, Estelita Magtalas, Edel Santos, Genelyn Miranda and a seven-year-old boy, all residents of Barangay San Nicolas.

The complainants filed charges of arbitrary detention, grave threats, coercion, child abuse and slight physical injuries against the police officers last Friday before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in San Fernando City.

Senior Inspector Efren David replaced Dela Cruz as officer-in-charge of the town police, said Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Recomono.

In her complaint, Angelica, owner of the New Resto Bar, alleged that on the night of Oct. 8, the  police officers asked the bar's floor manager, to show them the women workers.

The police officers allegedly wanted to take some of the girls out but Andres denied the request, which reportedly angered the police chief.

The complainants said an argument broke out between Andres and Dela Cruz, who reportedly uttered invectives.

The report said Angelica was able to take a video of the incident.

Police said Magtalas’ seven-year-old son stated in his affidavit that he saw his father arguing with a police officer.

Police Regional Office 3 director Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta said the Pampanga police office is investigating the incident.