Quezon city: The chief of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group's (PNP-HPG) Investigation Management Division was ordered relieved on Thursday for allegedly assaulting a patrolman over a parking dispute.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP-HPG chief Brig. Gen. Hansen Marantan issued the order as the PNP conducts a full investigation into the incident that occurred at the HPG parking lot in Camp Crame, Quezon City, around 8:30 p.m. on December 16. Initial reports indicated that the police colonel allegedly kicked, pointed a firearm, and hit the head and upper lip of the patrolman with the butt of a firearm. The incident was caught on video, which eventually circulated online.
Injuries of the patrolman, who is assigned with the Intelligence Branch of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit-National Capital Region, were confirmed through a medico-legal examination. Brig. Gen. Marantan expressed regret over the incident, stating, "We don't tolerate such a thing and I think it should not happen but it happened so my apology because of the inconvenience it brought you. Mag-apologize kami sa inyo (We apologize to you)... I have to act like a father to the rest of the HPG because I am the HPG director so I have to be objective with it." The colonel has been relieved as H7 and placed under PHAS (Personnel Holding and Accounting Section).
The involved official's relief and reassignment came with the surrender of his firearm. Marantan mentioned that restrictive custody might also be imposed once formal charges are filed, emphasizing that due process will be observed. The HPG director confirmed that the police colonel admitted to pointing a firearm during the confrontation, an act that may constitute a grave threat. Marantan added, "That is very obvious," noting that criminal liability also carries corresponding administrative liability, which could result in dismissal from the service. Administrative and criminal cases are expected to be filed "as soon as possible," with the complainant already having executed an initial statement.
The alleged victim, in a brief interview, stated the incident happened while he was walking inside the camp after attending to a vehicle with a tire lock. He claimed that the officer suddenly got out of his vehicle, loaded his firearm, pointed it at him, and kicked him. He added that the encounter lasted nearly 30 minutes and involved verbal threats, punches, and kicks. He denied blocking the officer's path and said they had no prior personal interaction.
Meanwhile, the HPG, in a separate statement, mentioned that allegations regarding the officer being under the influence of alcohol were still being verified, noting conflicting claims from both parties. The PNP-HPG also appealed to the public to refrain from speculation, premature judgment, and the circulation of unverified or misleading information, as these may undermine the integrity of the investigative process and prejudice the rights of the parties involved.
