Sinas says cop in Greenhills hostage video pulling out handcuff

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Wednesday clarified a video clip showing a police officer in civilian who tried to pull out something from his pocket when security forces were trying to pin down hostage-taker Alchie Paray last Monday night.

In a statement, NCRPO chief Police Major General Debold Sinas said the policeman was just pulling out a handcuff from his pocket.

“He pulled out his handcuff and tried to give it to the arresting officers. It was his intuition to lend a hand to his fellow police officers who were apprehending the resistant suspect,” Sinas said.

Sinas issued the statement after the video caught the attention of netizens. The Metro Manila top cop urged the public not to be misled and misinformed on the incident.

“We have no other intention that night but to pacify the crisis, to rescue the victims and apprehend the suspect safely,” Sinas said.

He also assured the public that none of the police officers had hurt Paray, a former security guard who held hostage at least 50 individuals in a mall in San Juan City.

“No untoward incident happened to him last night while he was under the custody of San Juan City Police Station as I have visited him yesterday. He will be safe and properly investigated, the public can be assured of that,” Sinas said.

Paray, presently detained at the San Juan City Police Station, will be facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives as well as frustrated murder.

Before he was subdued and arrested, Paray was able to face the media and air his grievances about the security firm he was affiliated to. —KBK, GMA News