Homicide raps to be filed vs. 2 tanods who allegedly beat up curfew violator to death in Laguna —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said the two village watchmen who allegedly beat a curfew violator to death in Calamba, Laguna will face homicide complaints.

In a press conference, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said Calamba Police chief Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Villamor will be the one to file the homicide complaints.

“Magsasampa po ng kaso 'yung ating Calamba chief of police laban doon sa dalawang barangay tanod because accordingly meron pong mga witnesses,” Usana said, adding the complaints would be for homicide.

[The Calamba chief of police will file complaint against the two village watchmen because accordingly there were witnesses in the incident.]

Usana said according to the witnesses, the tanods ran after the victim, Ernanie Jimenez, and beat him up around 10:30 to 11 p.m. on April 7. The victim reportedly went out to buy food.

Ernanie's brother, Gledien, said he looked for the victim after he failed to go home on time. He then saw his brother badly injured and slumped near the barangay hall.

Ernanie reportedy had fractures on his skull. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment but died on April 9.

Meanwhile, the suspects denied the allegation, saying Ernanie ran away from them.

According to Usana, there was another version of the story claiming that Ernanie allegedly tripped when he was running away from the tanods. However, Usana pointed out that the tanods allegedly fled the area.

Usana said the prosecutor will assess if there is a probable cause in the incident. —KBK, GMA News