THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed administrative charges against three policemen who penalized curfew violator Darren Peñaredondo with strenuous physical exercises.
Peñaredondo died of stroke on April 3, more than 24 hours after he was made to do 300 rounds of pumping exercise in General Trias in Cavite.
Corporal Jerome Vibar and Police Corporal Kenneth Mercene were charged with grave misconduct resulting in homicide and grave neglect of duty, according to Police Colonel John Guyguyon of the PNP-Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM).
Lieutenant Colonel Marlo Solero, the relieved chief of police of General Trias, is also facing charges for grave neglect of duty for failing to take corrective action either before or during the incident.
Peñaredondo was arrested by barangay watchmen along with several other curfew violators on April 1. They were turned over to the police.
Vibar and Mercene allegedly ordered the curfew violators to do 300 rounds of pumping exercise.
PNP-Internal Affairs Service Director Alfegar Triambulo said they obtained closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that showed Peñaredondo and the other violators doing the pumping exercise.
“Pagkatapos pala noong pumping, madaling araw ay pinagwalis at hindi na makawalis (si Peñaredondo) kasi hindi na makalakad, pasuray suray at bumagsak pa nga sa ground,” he said.
Peñaredondo and the other violators were allowed to go home at 8 a.m. on April 2.
Triambulo said the two policemen may be suspended for six months or dismissed from the service. (SunStar Philippines)