Curfew violator in Calamba dies after tanods allegedly beat him up

A curfew violator died after he was allegedly beaten up by village watchmen in Calamba, Laguna.

According to a report on “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday, witnesses said the victim Ernanie Jimenez was beaten up by village watchmen after being arrested for violating the curfew in Barangay Turbina.

The victim’s brother, Gledien Jimenez, said Ernanie went out past 10 p.m. on April 7 to buy food. Ernanie took too long to come back which prompted Gledien to follow him.

He then saw his already injured brother lying near the barangay hall.

“Hinabol po siya ng mga volunteer, ‘yong mga humuli sa kaniya, pinagbubugbog, tumama ‘yong ulo sa poste tapos hindi pa rin tinigilan,” Gledien said.

(The volunteers went after him then beat him up. His head hit a pole but the volunteers did not stop.)

Ernanie reportedly had bruises and a cracked skull.

He was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment but died on April 9.

Meanwhile, the suspects denied the allegation, saying Ernanie ran away from them.

“‘Wag po tayong maniniwala sa bali-balita na kesyo binugbog, walang katotohanan ‘yan. Alam po natin ang ating ginagawa. Hindi naman po tayo ganoon kabrutal,” one of the suspects said.

(Let’s not believe in false claims. We know what we are doing. We are not that brutal.)

The police and the Department of the Interior and Local Government are investigating the matter.

Authorities are also awaiting the results of the autopsy on the victim’s body. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News