3 Bulacan cops facing raps for arrest-try on businessman

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal cases are being readied against three police officers who tried to arrest a businessman whom they mistook for a wanted person in Baliwag, Bulacan on Thursday.

Complaints of physical injury, unjust vexation, grave coercion and slander by deed will be filed against the officers, who have been dismissed from their posts at the San Rafael police.

The incident resulted in the relief San Rafael police chief Lt. Col. Alvin Christopher Baybayan based on the doctrine of command responsibility.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the PNP does not tolerate any wrongdoing committed by policemen.

“We assure the public that a thorough, orderly and fair investigation will be conducted. Anyone found to have committed lapses will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Nartatez said.

Reports said the complainant was having lunch in a restaurant along Doña Remedios Trinidad Highway when someone informed him that his car was hit by another vehicle.

As the businessman was checking his car, three men approached and dragged him into a Toyota Vios.

The complainant resisted, prompting restaurant workers to stop the men from taking him with them.

It turned out the men were members of the San Rafael police who thought the businessman was the person they were supposed to arrest.

The officers realized their mistake when they asked the businessman’s identity.

Nartatez said the incident could have resulted in a shootout as the operation was not coordinated with the Baliwag police.