NCRPO says Manila cop did not hit residents

April 3, 2020

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Friday clarified that the police officer caught on video threatening and shouting at residents in Quiapo last week did not hit the residents.

In a virtual presser, Police Major General Debold Sinas said he was able to talk to Police Station 3 commander Lt. Colonel Reynaldo Magdaluyo who told him it was the administrator of the Golden Mosque who sought their assistance as the people involved are hiding inside the mosque.

“I talked to Colonel Magdaluyo. He said they always caution those people… then they hide inside the mosque. The mosque administrator was the one who requested for help,” he said.

“They asked for help because they feel that these people were drug addicts and allegedly involved in making fake quarantine passes,” Sinas added.

Sinas said those residents resisted and provoked the police.

“So there is a heated argument… Actually, he did not hit them, he just pushed them to prevent them from going near him… he is just making sure instead of getting his firearm, he used a rattan stick to make the people follow ( him),” he said,

Sinas said the investigation is still ongoing but as of now they have not received any complaints.

“Magdaluyo was backed by the administrator of the mosque… we are happy that the case was resolved and the place became peaceful,” he said.

He added people now understand that they have to follow the rules and implementation under the enhanced community quarantine.

Last week, Sinas reminded the NCRPO personnel respect the human rights of the citizens.

“My instruction to my men is clear and unequivocal that despite stringent implementation of the policies related to community quarantine, due respect for the right of our citizen must always be observe,” he said.

“We plead cooperation among our people to please observe and follow guidelines being implemented by the government in enforcing the enhance community quarantine… I encourage the people of Metro Manila to remain vigilant but always be calm as we face the hurdles and challenges brought about by this pandemic incident,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS