PNP urged: Guard second cop in bike rider’s slay

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) should put the remaining Highway Patrol Group police officer charged in the killing of motorcycle rider John dela Riarte under close watch.

Dela Riarte’s older brother, Robert, said they are disappointed by what happened to Police Officer 3 Jeremiah de Villa, who allegedly jumped from the rooftop of a three-story building in Camp Crame on Aug. 27.

He said the PNP should keep an eye on Police Officer 2 Jonjie Manon-og, who along with De Villa is facing charges of murder, robbery and torture of his younger brother.

In an interview aired over CNN Philippines, he said whoever is in charge of Manon-og should take particular care of him.

“De Villa should have been guarded, so why did he die?” Robert said.

Dela Riarte’s brother said their family feels sorry for De Villa’s death, noting that they are pursuing justice through prosecution.

Meanwhile, lawyer Maritoni Resurrecion, who represents De Villa, is leaving the investigation of his death to the PNP “to see what really happened because we were not there. No one from the family of De Villa was there when this thing happened. We were just informed about it.”

Resurrecion said the PNP informed her that De Villa and Manon-og are under restrictive custody, meaning they are not allowed to go out of Camp Crame but they are free to roam around the camp.

She said she doesn’t think there was any lapse on the part of the PNP in handling the two police officers.

During her previous conversation with De Villa, Resurrecion said her client felt so bad because the complaint filed against him. 

“He felt embarrassed since the name of the PNP and their family are dragged into the filing of case of murder, robbery and torture against him and co-respondents,” Resurrecion said.

Dela Riarte died after he allegedly tried to grab a firearm of the HPG officers who arrested him after being caught in a traffic altercation with a motorist. The victim’s family sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation.