(File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday denied allegations of applying special treatment and double standard in the enforcement of the law.
PNP director for operations, Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, issued the statement after the police force drew flak for allegedly facilitating the press conference of Jose Antonio Sanvicente and his parents inside Camp Crame, Quezon City.
"We were able to demonstrate to the Filipino people throughout the years that we enforced the law without fear or favor," de Leon said.
This came in the midst of a public uproar over Sanvicente's apparent unwillingness to acknowledge his involvement in a ramming and hit-and-run incident which injured security guard Christian Floralde in Mandaluyong City on June 5.
He said the PNP cannot allow anybody to enjoy a privilege in violation of the law, as this would compromise the police's integrity as a law enforcement organization.
De Leon maintained that the Mandaluyong City police tried their best to pursue Sanvicente following the viral ramming and hit-and-run incident, but were halted by the subdivision's security guards.
He added that this is the reason why the PNP is ensuring that security guards of the subdivision will also be made liable for obstruction of justice.
Due to procedural processes, particularly in criminal cases, the PNP was unable to place Sanvicente under arrest when he arrived in Camp Crame.
"Your PNP is also responsible for ensuring that we adhere to the law and legal procedures. Otherwise, we risk losing the case on a technicality, as has happened several times in the past. I can guarantee the public that we will comply with the court's ruling as soon as the arrest warrant is issued against him," de Leon said.
De Leon previously stated that they are already prepared for the serving of the arrest warrant and have cooperated with the Bureau of Immigration to notify the PNP if Sanvicente attempts to leave the country.
The Mandaluyong City police has already filed charges against Sanvicente, including one for attempted murder.
On Friday, Sanvicente was a no-show at the preliminary investigation of the charges at the Mandaluyong City Hall of Justice. Only his lawyer Danny Macalino was present.
De Leon also committed to personally monitor the development of the cases filed against Sanvicente. (PNA)
