Another delivery rider files complaint vs 11 Manila cops over alleged illegal arrest

Another delivery rider on Thursday filed an administrative complaint with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) against 11 cops in Manila after they allegedly illegally arrested, hurt, and robbed him.

The new complainant supported the account of another delivery rider—who filed his own complaint on September 12—that they were allegedly framed as illegal drug violators by the cops last September 9.

“Bigla na lang po kaming dinampot at sinakay sa tig-isang sasakyan po. Ako sinakay po sa pulang sasakyan. At 'di sa kalayuan po ay nagpakilala po silang mga pulis,” he said at a press conference.

(We were picked up and brought into separate vehicles. I was brought inside a red vehicle ... and then they introduced themselves as policemen.)

“At doon na po kami isa-isang pagbubugugin at pananakot po sa amin. Hindi ko na po alam ang gagawin ko po kasi sa pananakot po nila at panunutok ng mga baril,” he added.

(Then they started hurting us. I didn't know what to do because of fear and guns were pointed at me.)

According to the complainant, the police allegedly took his P10,000 cash from his newly released salary, cellphone, and motorcycle.

The first complainant was able to escape but the second complainant was detained. 

NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Ralph Calinisan said the second complainant was later on released after Manila’s Prosecutor Office decided not push through with the drug case due to lack of evidence.

The complaints against the cops are for grave misconduct, grave irregularity in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Calinisan pointed out that there were inconsistencies in the police report, CCTV footage, and accounts of the complainants.

The NAPOLCOM official noted that most of the implicated cops were also involved in another questionable operation, which is also now under a motu proprio investigation.

MPD acting director Police Brigadier General Arnold Abad earlier ordered the relief of the District Drug Enforcement Unit (DDEU) personnel following the allegations as directed by Mayor Isko Moreno.

The MPD noted that while the victims claimed extortion and illegal detention, the police report dated September 10 stated that the two men had been arrested over supposed drug-related charges.

“We will not tolerate any misconduct by its members. There will be no zero tolerance for erring personnel once proven; the trust of the community is non-negotiable,” Abad said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News