2 Manila cops face raps for 'punching, threatening' traffic aide over stare

Two members of the Manila Police District are now the subjects of a criminal complaint after they punched and threatened a Valenzuela traffic enforcer over a stare while they were riding motorcycles in the city.

According to Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras," police staff sergeants Ernesto Camacho and Robert Cabudoy were seen on CCTV accosting traffic aide Ronaldo David in Barangay Mabolo.

Camacho reportedly was the person who drew a gun and with it punched David in the stomach. Cabudoy reportedly threatened David with his words.

Investigation showed David was on his motorcycle while the policemen were riding theirs when the traffic enforcer noticed that the two weren't wearing helmets.

“Napatingin lang po ako sa kanila. Sasabihan ko nga sana na wala silang helmet sa unahan banda. Bigla na lang nila ako ginitgit at sabi sa 'kin ni Sir Cabudoy na, 'Ang sama mo makatingin ah.' Iiwan ko na sana sila pero sa unahan sinigawan nila ako tumigil ka tumigil ka!” said David.

(I looked over at them. I was about to tell them that they had no helmets. They just suddenly drove over and Sir Cabudoy chided me for staring. I was about to let them be but they shouted at me to stop.)

“Akala ko po katapusan ko na po nung araw na yun. Salamat nalang po nahuli na mga taong yan hindi po sila dapat humawak ng baril nananakit ng kapwa nila,” he added.

(I thought it was my end that day. I’m thankful that these people who should not have guns and hurt other people have been caught)

While Camacho reportedly punched David, Cabudoy was allegedly holding his gun and said, "Gusto mo patayin na kita rito?"

(Do you want me to kill you here?)

Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian said Manila Police District Director Brigadier General Arnold Ibay told him in a text message that the two suspects had been disarmed and placed under protective custody at the District Personnel Holding and Accounting Section.

They are also facing administrative cases aside from the criminal case  David filed.

Gatchalian expressed his dismay at the incident.

“Hindi welcome ang mga bastos na pulis dito sa aming lugar. Huwag kayong pupunta dito na nagpapasiga-siga, na akala nyo porket pulis kayo mas mataas kayo sa aming traffic enforcers,” said Gatchalian.

(Disrespectful police are not welcome here in our place. Do not come here acting all tough,thinking that just because you are police it means that you rank higher than our enforcers.) —Celine Serquiña/NB, GMA Integrated News