Drunk cop pistol-whips man, slaps boy

MANILA, Philippines - A Caloocan City policeman was arrested in Quezon City after he allegedly pistol-whipped a man and slapped a boy after he attended a drinking session in Barangay Damayan.

Police Officer 3 Alberto Saguit of the Northern Police District is facing charges of physical injury, said Superintendent Jesus Balingasa Jr., commander of the Quezon City Police District-Station 2.

Balingasa said the NPD policeman had denied the allegations.

Balingasa said Saguit, reportedly assigned with the NPD’s District Operations and Plans Division, was drunk when he was arrested.

“The village watchmen called up, asking assistance to apprehend him (Saguit). He was even refusing to surrender his service firearm,” Balingasa said in an interview.

Balingasa said Saguit, 41, was arrested at around 9:30 p.m. in front of a supermarket in Barangay Damayan.

The arrest was based on a complaint filed by Jose Vidal, 28, and a 15-year-old boy who are both residents in the area.

According to Vidal, the policeman hit him in the face with a 9mm Pietro Beretta for no apparent reason. The boy, meanwhile, said the policeman slapped his face.

The complainants immediately sought help from other residents, who called the attention of the village officials.          – Reinir Padua