MANILA, Philippines – Two policemen were charged for allegedly beating up and poking their guns at five males, one of them a minor, in Quiapo, Manila at past midnight yesterday.
Police Officers 1 Jervy Fisulero, 28, and Michael Galut, 33, were reportedly drunk when they were arrested by fellow police officers minutes after their victims ran and sought police assistance.
Fisulero is assigned to the Pasig police while Galut is with the Sta. Ana, Manila police station.
Raymond Mendoza, 20, told police he and his friends – Reynaldo Santos, 17; Henson Resma, 18; Ronald Buela, 25; and Christopher Dinglasan, 24 – had just finished celebrating his birthday and were on their way home after returning items he borrowed from the barangay hall when they encountered the two policemen at the corner of Estero Segado and Paterno streets at around 12:30 a.m.
Mendoza said Fisulero and Galut, without saying a word, aimed their guns at them and started pistol-whipping them.
He said he was frightened as he raised his hands while the others moved backward. It was then the policemen took turns beating him, Mendoza said.
Mendoza said Galut put the muzzle of his gun against his head and squeezed the trigger twice. The gun failed to fire as the magazine fell out, he added.
He and his friends sought the help of police officers at the Plaza Miranda community precinct.
Mendoza and his friends identified the policemen during a confrontation at the Manila Police District general assignment and investigation section (MPD-GAIS).
Superintendent Robert Domingo, Sta. Ana station commander, ordered Galut investigated, saying he will recommend Galut’s summary dismissal.
Eastern Police District director Senior Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, meanwhile, could not be reached for any comment on Fisulero.
Chief Inspector Arsenio Riparip, MPD-GAIS chief, recommended the filing of charges of attempted homicide, physical injury, grave threat and child abuse against the policemen.