Pasig cop sacked for terrorizing guards

MANILA, Philippines - The Pasig City police’s deputy investigation chief was disarmed and removed from his post yesterday after he was caught on video wielding a rifle to “terrorize” security guards outside a shopping mall last Dec. 31.

Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Francisco Manalo placed Senior Inspector Oscar Magtibang on floating status.

“He was disarmed of his Armalite rifle and .45 caliber pistol and restricted to my office,” Manalo said, adding that he will file grave mischarges against Magtibang.

According to reports reaching Manalo, Magtibang – who was in civilian clothes – parked his car at a no-parking zone at a mall in Mandaluyong City at around 11:30 a.m. last Dec. 31.

When a guard knocked on the car door to tell him that he was not allowed to park there, Magtibang lowered the car window, with his rifle in full view. Magtibang left the area, but the guard followed him, calling for reinforcements.

Upon reaching Escriva street, in front of the Asturia building, Magtibang grabbed his rifle and got out of his car to confront the security guards.

Manalo said Magtibang also called Pasig’s Special Weapons and Tactics unit personnel, and together they arrested the guards and jailed them without charges.

The incident was recorded by a closed-circuit television camera, Manalo said.

 Magtibang released the security guards only upon the intervention of Pasig City police chief Senior Superintendent Jesse Cardona.

Manalo said it is up to the security guards if they wish to file a criminal case against Magtibang. He added that Cardona has the final say on Magtibang’s replacement.