Jeepney driver mauled by cops now fears for his life after police visit – NUPL

The jeepney driver mauled by policemen during the dispersal at the US Embassy last week felt threatened and harassed after several policemen visited his residence unannounced over the weekend, the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) said Sunday.

"Yesterday, several policemen visited  Mr. Sumalbag in his residence unannounced.  The policemen tried to ask him questions and make him sign a document without explaining the nature of the same," the NUPL said in a statement.

The group was referring to Raymark Sumalbag, the 23-year-old jeepney driver who was dragged out of his vehicle by the police and hit until he lost consciousness after the violent dispersal of an anti-US rally near the embassy last Wednesday.

"For obvious reasons, he felt threatened and harassed and is now in fear for his life and safety after such visit. The other victims also feel the same," the NUPL said.

Sumalbag, who was badly injured, earlier said that he was not part of the rally and clarified that he was just a hired driver that day.

Although a CT scan did not find any fracture in his skull, Sumalbag was brought to the hospital again on Thursday after he vomited and complained of a headache.

"Hindi sapat 'yung sorry sa ginawa nila. Sa sakit na naramdaman ko muntik pa 'ko mamatay. Sorry lang? Gusto ko sana magkaroon ng hustisya sa ginawa sa akin ng mga bumugbog sa akin," he said.

The NUPL also on Sunday revealed that several uniformed men went to the kampuhan of the Lakbayanis—the group of protesters—at the University of the Philippines Diliman and made inquiries on the victims who were injured during the dispersal.

A video posted by the Associated Press showed a police utility vehicle accelerating both forward and in reverse in efforts to disperse the crowd during the rally, hitting several protesters in the process. At least one was trapped beneath the vehicle after being run over.

"Mr. Sumalbag and the other victims of the violent dispersal wish not to be approached, interviewed and/or asked for any statements without our presence and assistance as their counsels. Hence, from this point on, all communications must be directed to us," the NUPL said. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News