Movie and television actor Jake Cuenca (Instagram photo)
MANILA – Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and disobedience to persons in authority have been filed on Monday against actor Jake Cuenca whose vehicle hit a police patrol car over the weekend.
“He was released from custody kasi lumagpas na ang reglementary period of 12 hours since minor offenses yung kaso (because the 12-hour reglementary period for minor offenses has already lapsed). Kanina (Earlier today), by way of regular filing, nasampahan ng disobedience and reckless imprudence si Jake Cuenca (Jake Cuenca was charged with disobedience and reckless imprudence),” Eastern Police District director, Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay said in a message sent to reporters.
Baccay said the Mandaluyong City Police filed the charges against the 33-year-old actor before the City Prosecutor's Office.
Based on a report of the Mandaluyong City Police Station, the incident happened along Silangan Street, near Pantaleon Street, in Barangay Barangka Ibaba at around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Cuenca tried to escape after his vehicle hit the left side of a police patrol car and rammed a barrier, prompting police to chase him.
A passing delivery rider was also hit by a stray bullet as the police tried to “disable” the actor’s black sports utility vehicle.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo vowed disciplinary measures for police officers involved in the incident.
“I have already instructed the Eastern Police District Director, Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, to place all the personnel involved under restrictive custody while the investigation is being conducted. We assure the public that disciplinary measures will be imposed on the personnel involved and corrective measures will be implemented in order to prevent the repeat of this incident,” Eleazar said in a statement.
Eleazar has apologized to the victim and assured that the PNP will take care of his hospitalization expenses and that his family will get financial assistance.
He, meanwhile, described the actor's actions as reckless.
“Now, I understand the negative sentiments of our kababayans on this issue but let us not forget why this incident happened in the first place -- may isang motorista na imbes na humingi ng paumanhin at panagutan ang kanyang pagkakamali ay gumawa ng eksenang pang-teleserye at pampelikula (There is a motorist who made a scene like what we seen in drama series and movies, instead of apologizing and taking responsibility for his mistake),” said Eleazar. (PNA)
