MANILA, Philippines — The Cavite police is preparing criminal complaints against an activist who was caught on video hitting a police official during President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address on Monday.
Cavite police director Col. Christopher Olazo identified the official as Imus police chief Lt. Col. Michael Batoctoy.
“We will be filing appropriate charges against the leader of the militant group,” Olazo said in a Viber message yesterday.
In the video that went viral on social media, Batoctoy was seen being confronted by an unnamed activist who accused him of preventing their group from crossing a road.
The activist claimed he only protected himself after Batoctoy stepped on his foot.
Batoctoy was heard warning the activist that he would handcuff him if he would not stop.
Sought for comment, the Philippine National Police (PNP) lauded Batoctoy and the other police officers for implementing maximum tolerance during protest actions.
“Pulis na ang umiwas para hindi na mag-escalate ang sitwasyon,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said.