Probers identify 2 erring cops in rally dispersal

The two Manila policemen caught in a television video footage manhandling rallyists during a dispersal operation last Wednesday have been identified and may face dismissal from police service.

Charges of misconduct for abuse of authority were recommended against SPO2 Napoleon de Ramos, of the Manila Police District’s Detective Beat Patrol, and PO1 Edyly Dato, of the MPD’s Civil Disturbance Management Group (CDMG), according to General Assignment Section chief Superintendent Arturo Paglinawan.

"A pre-charge investigation shall also be conducted on the two identified policemen to determine any mitigating or aggravating circumstance which led to their actions," said Paglinawan, who was tasked by MPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong to complete an investigation in three days and identify the abusive policemen.

If proven guilty, the subject policemen face the maximum penalty of dismissal from the police service, Paglinawan added.

With respect to criminal charges, the MPD is still trying to identify the rallyists who were manhandled by the two policemen to get their sworn affidavit of complaints, including their medical certificates, Paglinawan explained.

De Ramos had been identified as the policeman wearing a black shirt who hit an elderly woman, while Dato is the policeman who was seen punching a male rallyist who was already in police custody during the rally at the Don Chino Roces bridge last Wednesday. Both policemen were caught on news footage, which was shown to Bulaong.

As a result of last Wednesday’s clashes, Bulaong had ordered all anti-riot policemen dealing with rallyists to be in complete uniform and to display their nameplates.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Vidal Querol also directed all police units assigned to rallies to adopt measures to avoid similar incident from happening in the future.

Paglinawan thanked CDMG chief Superintendent Efren Perez and Detective Patrol Beat commander Chief Inspector Jobeth Asayo for their cooperation and assistance in the identification of the policemen. – Nestor Etolle