Eleazar: I will not apologize to erring cops

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Major General Guillermo Eleazar on Thursday said he would not apologize to the Eastern Police District (EPD) policeman  whom he had publicly berated.

"Hindi po ako magso-sorry sa mga 'yan. Hindi ako magso-sorry sa mga tarantadong pulis," Eleazar said in a phone interview on Dobol B sa News TV. "Humihingi ako ng paumanhin sa taong-bayan sa outrage na napakita ko, eh tao lang po."

He added: "Bilang ama ng NCRPO, sino ba naman ang hindi magngingitngit sa ginagawa ng mga 'yan in spite of what we're doing? Just the same, di po kami mapapagod at magsasawa."

Eleazar lost his temper to Police Corporal Marlo Siblao Quibete who was accused of extortion. He scolded, collared and angrily held the head of the policeman.

The NCRPO chief, however, clarified that he did not slap, hit the chest or pull the hair of Quibete.

Eleazar's action drew mixed reactions from the public. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde, however, defended his outburst.

Quibete was accused of extortion by an arrested drug suspect and his live-in partner. According to the partner, Quibete and his group stole P60, 000 including a necklace and motorcycle from them. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News