MANILA, Philippines — Five men, one of them included in the drug watchlist, were arrested after beating up a policeman in Manila before dawn yesterday.
Superintendent Emerey Abating, Manila Police District (MPD) Station 5 commander, identified the suspects as Kerby Miranda, 20, reportedly on the drug watchlist; Kurt John Miranda, 21; James Joseph Miranda, 34; Aaron Miranda, 33, and Dennis Miranda, 38.
Probers said Police Officer 1 Christopher Pizzaro was driving his motorcycle along West Zamora street in Pandacan when he noticed the men on two motorcycles following him at around 1:30 a.m.
Upon reaching the corner of Peñafracia and Pedro Gil streets in Paco, the men on one motorcycle overtook him and blocked his path while the two others bumped him from behind.
As the men beat him up, Pizarro pulled out his gun and fired. They overpowered him and took his gun.
A television crew passing through the area recorded the incident.
Abating said Pizzaro ran towards them and asked for help but “nobody lifted a finger.”
“The driver even locked the door of the crew cab when the police officer tried to sought refuge inside,” he said.
The suspects escaped, taking with them Pizzaro’s firearm.
Members of the Paz police community precinct took Pizzaro to the Ospital ng Maynila.
The suspects went to the office of Barangay 816 chairwoman Almee Lantin and surrendered Pizzaro’s gun at around 3:20 a.m., saying the policeman started the trouble and that they would file charges against him.
The MPD, however, arrested them and filed charges of frustrated murder, robbery, direct assault, malicious mischief and drunk and disorderly behavior with the city prosecutor’s office.