General Trias police chief, 2 others sacked

Death of quarantine violator

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 9:27 a.m.) — The police chief of General Trias in Cavite and two of his men have been relieved from their posts over the death of a curfew violator who was allegedly forced to do 300 squats as punishment.

Lt. Col. Marlo Solero was removed from his post after the companions of Darren Peñaredondo executed affidavits that they were forced to do physical exercises after they were caught for allegedly violating curfew on Thursday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said yesterday.

Cpls. Jerome Vibar and Kenneth Merce, who reportedly ordered Peñaredondo and other quarantine violators to do squats, were also relieved.

“The chief of police... and the two cops are now under the direct supervision and control of the provincial director,” Usana said.

He gave assurance that sanctions would be imposed against the police officers if proven that they were responsible for Peñaredondo’s death.

“This is to also assure the public that the PNP does not tolerate any act that is inimical to the best interest of our people,” Usana said.

Peñaredondo died in a hospital on Saturday. Doctors said he suffered a stroke.

Before he died, the victim’s partner Reichelyn Balce, posted a video showing the victim having difficulty sitting on the stairs of their house and complaining of body aches.

The victim went out of his house to buy water when barangay officials accosted him and turned him over to the local police.

Usana said physical exercises are not bad, adding it is necessary to a healthy lifestyle.

Doctor arrested

Meanwhile, a doctor was arrested following a heated argument with police officers for not wearing a face shield in Cainta, Rizal over the weekend.

Jayson Parina, a vascular and interventional radiologist in a private hospital in Metro Manila, posted P6,000 bail yesterday for simple disobedience and unjust vexation.

Initial reports showed that Parina was biking when he was apprehended.

However, Rizal police director Col. Joseph Arguelles said the doctor was not on his bike when police officers asked for his identification card as proof that he is an authorized person outside of residence.

“Exempted ang mga bikers (from wearing face shields) but you always have to be ready when you are not engaged in strenuous exercise,” Arguelles said in a phone interview.

Probers said Parina told the policemen that he knows what he is doing and that he should be exempted from wearing a face shield.

The police officers manning the checkpoint claimed Parina even took videos of them.

“Tingnan niyo itong mga pulis na mga ito, parang mga gago hindi marunong manita,” the policemen quoted Parina as saying.