MANILA, Philippines — An off-duty Quezon City police officer was assaulted in Sampaloc, Manila on Thursday, as he attempted to bring a minor suspected of theft to the nearest police station.
Initial investigation showed that Pat. Rodney Averilla was on his way home with his girlfriend when they chanced upon a commotion along G. Tuazon Street. The disturbance reportedly involved a minor accused of stealing a cellphone.
When Averilla tried to pacify and bring the minor to the nearest police station, the boy’s relatives and friends ganged up on the policeman, thinking it was the cop who had beaten the minor.
Responding police arrested four people who will be charged with direct assault and less serious physical injuries at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.