HPG cop tagged in slapping of motorist faces fresh raps

The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group officer who allegedly slapped and cursed a female motorist received another complaint on Monday, this time from a traffic constable of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

An exclusive report from Steve Dailisan on 24 Oras showed MMDA traffic constable Richard Roman demonstrating how Police Senior Inspector Rufino Noog punched him despite trying to help the police officer move a misplaced steel bar in their station in EDSA-Ortigas.

"Sabi ko sa kaniya na sir, bakit po? Kailangan po ba talaga suntukin niyo ako? Sabi niya, napapagod na nga ako. Galit po siya… 'di ko alam kung saan siya galit. Na-out of balance po ako," Roman said.

Roman said he already a filed a report to the MMDA on the incident and was backed by MMDA officials. He also submitted himself to a medical check-up.

"Kinabukasan hindi po ako nakapasok kasi pag humihinga ako ng malalim may nararamdaman ako [Nakakapanliit] lang po ng pagkatao dahil bukod sa nakatalikod ako noon, unipormado rin naman ako," Roman said.

According to his complaint, Noog reportedly also punched another traffic constable, but only Roman pushed through with the case against Noog before the National Police Commission. 

Roman added Noog attempted to confront him two weeks before the incident.

Charice's complaints

Meanwhile, Noog was at the National Bureau of Investigation due to multiple complaints filed against him by a female motorist identified only as Charice. 

Noog accused Charice of trying to run him over. Their arguments were heard through the motorist's dashboard camera.

The HPG officer denied his temperament affects his duty. 

"Hindi po mainitin ang ulo ko… Lahat naman po siguro tayo napapagod pero di naman po tayo mainitin ang ulo," Noog said.

Noog already issued an apology to Charice since his dismissal from service can affect his family, although he claimed he did not hurt Charice.

"Nag-sorry lang siya para matapos na. It was an SOP on his part to put the defense," Noog's legal counsel John Lim said.

"I’ll accept, kaso yun nga, may iba siyang paliwanag," Charice responded. —JST, GMA News