Rookie cop faces raps for beating, robbing student

MANILA, Philippines - A rookie Manila policeman is facing administrative and criminal charges after he allegedly beat up and robbed a 15-year-old student in Sampaloc.

Though the incident happened on Jan. 18, charges were formally lodged at the Manila prosecutor’s office only yesterday after Police Officer 1 Marlon Blando, detailed at the District Mobile Patrol Unit, failed to appear for a confrontation with his accuser despite repeated summons, said Manila Police District General Assignment Section chief Senior Inspector Marcelo Reyes.

Victim John Mark Saturnino, 15, a second year high school student of C.M. Recto High School, was accompanied by his mother, Allaine.

He said that at around 10 p.m. on Jan. 18, he was talking to a friend when a visibly drunk Blando suddenly grabbed him by the neck and told him not to run.

He said he was not aware of any offense, but he knew Blando as a policeman living in nearby barangay in Sampaloc. He said Blando had a gun but was not in police uniform at the time of the incident.

Saturnino said Blando took his P1,650, which his mother gave him to buy rice for the following day. Blando also forced him inside a tricycle while gripping his neck, but he was able to free himself and run away. The boy said he immediately told his mother, who reported the incident to the barangay hall, after which he was taken to the San Lazaro Hospital for medical examination.

The Saturninos told Reyes that after Blando got wind that they reported the incident to the police, he allegedly began harassing them by passing by their house every night and calling on the teener. Saturnino said he fears he would be harmed if he steps out of the house to go to school.