Eleazar slams Jake Cuenca for disrespecting cops, law

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar yesterday criticized actor Jake Cuenca for what he described as lack of discipline and disrespect to the law when he sped off after hitting a patrol car in Mandaluyong City.

Cuenca, 33, was apprehended following a car chase with police that left a driver of the ride-hailing firm Grab wounded.

Reports said anti-narcotics officers of the Mandaluyong police conducted a sting in Barangay Barangka and were about to leave the area when the patrol car was hit by Cuenca’s Rubicon jeep on Saturday night.

Instead of stopping, Cuenca reportedly drove off, resulting in a car chase.

Police said they fired at Cuenca’s car tires to force the vehicle to stop.

Grab driver Eleazar Martinito, 43, was hit by a stray bullet.

“I understand the sentiments of our citizens about the issue. But let us not forget why this incident happened in the first place: there is a motorist who, instead of apologizing and answering for his mistakes, created a scene fit for a teleserye or a movie,” Eleazar said, adding that Cuenca was reckless and showed lack of discipline and disrespect to authorities.

“I will make sure you will be accountable for your disrespectfulness not only to the police but also to the law,” the PNP chief added.

The Mandaluyong police yesterday filed charges of disobedience and reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property against Cuenca before the city prosecutor’s office.

Restrictive custody

Police officers who were responsible for the stray shot that wounded Martinito during the car chase were placed under restrictive custody pending investigation into the incident.

The PNP vowed to impose disciplinary measures against the police personnel.

Eleazar apologized for the incident and said he would understand if Martinito would file a complaint against the police officers responsible for his injury.

“First, I would like to apologize to the Grab driver who was hit by a stray bullet. I assure you and your family that we will shoulder your hospital bills and will also extend financial assistance covering the period of your recovery,” Eleazar said.

He said he instructed Eastern Police District director Brig. Gen. Matthew Bacay to place under restrictive custody all the personnel involved in the incident.

“We assure the public that corrective measures will be implemented to prevent a repeat of this incident,” Eleazar said.

Martinito has been declared in stable condition.