DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/03 Nov) — Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte does not want a repeat of the mauling incident of an armed police officer as he asked the police to shoot back when physically overpowered. “It’s self-defense,” he said.
“When you are ganged up by four or more persons, even two or three, physically overpowered ka, you are in danger of losing your life, when your life is in danger, I am lecturing to you, kung may baril ka, barilin mo na lahat,” Duterte told a press conference over the weekend.
Duterte’s statement came following the mauling of PO2 Ritchi Paul Calago Lozano of the San Pedro Police Precinct by four men in front of the Ateneo de Davao University Grade School gate in Matina on October 31.
Lozano was seen on a CCTV camera being mauled by the four individuals who were identified as Abdul Moamar Manalo, Bueno Kumayog, Harold Barambangan Tomawis, and Marson Jackson Reyes.
Duterte said the four “insulted” the Philippine National Police.
“When you are reprimanded by a peace officer regarding your disorderly conduct, and you assault the police, that is direct assault,” the mayor said.
He said the four face cases not only for attacking an individual but also for assaulting a law enforcer.
“These guys are facing serious legal trouble,” citing the crimes they committed against public order and against a police officer.
According to police reports, Lozano earlier advised Manalo not to vomit on the wall of the school.
Manalo reportedly punched the police officer and was backed up by his companions.
The suspects were arrested and detained at the Talomo Police Precinct. (MindaNews)
