MPD official insists Erap punched cop

MANILA, Philippines - A Manila Police District (MPD) official insisted yesterday that former President Joseph Estrada repeatedly punched his colleague several times as his running mate, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, was subjected to inquest proceedings for organizing a bingo game without a permit.

In a statement released by the city government, MPD Station 3 commander Senior Superintendent Ricardo Layug backed up Inspector Ed Morata’s statement that Estrada had punched him while they were in the office of Prosecutor Elaine Cerezo. Morata heads the Blumentritt police community precinct under MPD Station 3.

Layug said he confirmed Morata’s statements when pressed by barangay chairpersons who attended the weekly People’s Day meeting held yesterday by Mayor Alfredo Lim to address the concerns of barangay officials and residents.

According to Layug, who was in the same room during the inquest, Estrada repeatedly hit Morata on his forearm and that Morata told the former President that he has great respect for him and to stop hitting him.

This prompted Cerezo to order Morata to move near her, Layug said.

He said Estrada first went to the precinct at around 6 p.m. Saturday, asking why Moreno’s group was being arrested. When Estrada returned at past midnight Sunday, he was reportedly acting differently, Layug said.

Layug said he believes the former President had been drinking.

In the meeting, the barangay chairmen asked Lim if bingo games being held during wakes are illegal. Lim said that they are allowed if the purpose is to raise funds for the deceased’s family, but the game should not obstruct street traffic.

Lim said since his name is being dragged into the issue of Moreno’s arrest, he has decided to come into the picture by providing legal assistance to the policemen who have been charged in connection with the case.