Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Cop allegedly in torture video was 'violent, arrogant'

abs-cbnNEWS.com



MANILA, Philippines - More cases of abuse concerning the police official allegedly at the center of the torture video taken inside a police station in Tondo, are coming out.

Inspector Joselito Binayug, who was relieved as chief of the Asuncion, Tondo police precinct, headed an outpost of the Philippine National Police (PNP) that covered Divisoria and areas of Tondo where cases of theft and hold-ups are common.

Binayug's superior, Superintendent Ferdinand Quirante, said Binayug had "no problems" in controlling his assigned area.

"He handled his place na talagang he is on the top of the situation, addressing of course, iyong anti-criminality," Quirante said.

"Violent"

However, some residents of Tondo alleged Binayug had a reputation of being violent, saying he acted like he was the ruler of the place.

"Abusado po talaga 'yan sir... kasi po kapag [naka-tambay] lang po kami dito eh pinapalo ang mga tricycles, pati po 'yong mga driver," a resident said.

"Sa pila nga namin ho eh, kinukuhanan pa [ng kotong], eh magkano lang ho ang kita namin.. kinikikilan pa kami," another resident alleged.

Residents said they were not surprised when the video was released.

"Minsan, isang beses, isang bata - pinapalo ng kawayan... siguro, baka jumper o salisi, pinapalo ng kawayan," a resident recalled.

Some of Binayug's alleged victims have also surfaced.

"Ginawa nila Binayug, pati 'yong nanay po ni Gilbert [a resident suspected of snatching], kinaladkad nila," a resident said.

Numerous cases

Investigation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) revealed Binayug has numerous cases filed against him.

The cases include robbery with extortion, 2 cases of serious neglect of duty, and grave misconduct.

"Maaari nating i-correlate siguro iyong mga complainants doon sa mga kasong naka-file laban sa kanya, kung mayroon bang sense o link sa mga akusasyon laban sa kanya," Atty. Owen De Luna, chief Napolcom Investigator, said.

Despite these, Binayug has earned 10 medals in a span of 10 years, including the PNP Badge of Honor, bestowed upon him by former National capital Region Police Office chief Roberto Rosales last May 2009.

Binayug did not speak to ABS-CBN News about the allegations against him.

However, the Manila Police District (MPD) said they will make sure Binayug will face the charges levied against him.

"Sabi niya, he's prepared. Hindi siya magco-comment sa video, pero ang sabi niya sa akin, he is willing to face the investigation," said Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay, MPD director. Reporting by Ron Gagalac, ABS-CBN News

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