MANILA -- Two Makati policemen have been relieved for failing to properly implement President Rodrigo Duterte's directive against "tambays".
Makati City Police Station PCP 6 Commander Police Senior Inspector Aaron E. Elago and SPO2 James Teano, desk officer of Makati PCP 7 were ordered placed in the administrative holding section by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) head Chief Supt. Guillermo L. Eleazar for abuse of authority.
Eleazar likewise directed Southern Police District Police head Chief Supt. Tomas C. Apolinario to expedite the investigation regarding the mishandling of people allegedly arrested for violating city ordinances.
Elago and Teano are in hot water following an online account narrating their alleged abuse of authority in rounding up "tambays" in their areas and brought them to the precinct for verification even without valid violation of city ordinances.
In a statement Tuesday, Apolinario said while they support the President's directive against bystanders, they underscored that "we won't tolerate our personnel from going beyond of their authority expected of them".
The two policemen will be undergoing scrutiny by the SPD District Investigation Unit (DIU).
Eleazar clarified that policemen should only arrest those who will violate municipal/city ordinances such as those against urinating and drinking alcohol in public places, loitering half naked, disturbing the peace by making loud noises and curfew for minors.
"The police can question any suspicious person loitering but not necessarily violating any specific above cited ordinance regarding their presence and business in the area. They should not be apprehended but instead be advice to be cautious or rather leave the area so as not to be victimized by lawless elements," Apolinario said, adding that it encourages the public to report abuses.
Meanwhile, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Supt. Joselito T Esquivel Jr reported to Eleazar, the apprehension of 127 violators of laws and city ordinances as police intensified its anti-criminality operations in Quezon City from 5 a.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday. (PNA)
