CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) stood firm that the arrest of the two students who were taking photos with a “dirty finger” sign with a cop in the background was legal.
This is following the negative feedback received regarding the arrest of the individuals.
“As far as the police is concerned, we have arrested them legally and with enough specials and legal basis,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of PRO-7, explained to the press Tuesday.
Pelare reiterated that the students will face charges of unjust vexation, a case when a person vexes or annoys and performs acts that can annoy another person. He added that the actions taken by the students are inappropriate and will qualify for a complaint.
“This should serve as a warning to everyone to be very careful in dealing with your actions. Our police officers were religiously delivering their duties, performing their duties and you cannot just insult them and you cannot just offend them by doing these very insulting actions,” Pelare stated.
Meanwhile, the deputy city director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, has already expressed and asked the people to pay respect to policemen who were called to do their duties, especially during the height of the Sinulog festivities.
“Nakasabot ta anang inyong mga binuang kay kami sa police mosabay man pud gyud og kanang mga joke-joke. There will always be a proper time for everything. Kung mag joke ta, mag joke ta. Kung trabaho, trabaho ta. Ato pung e-respeto atong kapulisan labi na gyud kanang nagtrabaho diha og tinarong,” Rafter quoted.
Even though Rafter made it clear that they had forgiven the students, a case would still be filed so others would not replicate such behavior in the future. The two individuals were arrested Sunday evening, January 21, at Lapu-Lapu Street, Barangay San Roque, Cebu City.
These two were among the millions of spectators who joined the Sinulog grand celebration on Sunday. — (FREEMAN)