THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) defended the actions of police personnel who allegedly beat a female and a minor at Buhangin Police Station, saying the actions were intended to prevent harm to the offenders, police personnel, and others present.
"In light of their (offenders) aggressive and disorderly conduct, which constituted clear violations of disrespect and disobedience to persons in authority, as well as scandalous acts, the police and auxiliary officers lawfully restrained the individuals," DCPO said in their statement on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
The office said that the police personnel exercised maximum tolerance and have observed the protocols that were outlined in the Philippine National Police Operational Procedures (PNP POP).
DCPO said the two individuals were turned over to the barangay tanods of Barangay Communal on April 27.
Prior to this, the female and the minor were involved in a commotion while drinking. Police reports said they both were punched, slapped, and choked by the minor's stepfather, and the female sustained facial injuries after being punched by the minor’s uncle. The minor attempted to defend her partner, which led things to escalate.
When they arrived at the station, influenced by liquor, the two individuals exhibited "violent and aggressive" behaviors towards the police personnel. The office said that both of them were shouting and agitated the people around them. They even physically attacked and grappled one police officer and an auxiliary police who restrained them. Both individuals also verbally assaulted the police and an auxiliary who made efforts to pacify them.
To recall, the Buhangin Police Station announced in a Facebook post that two individuals would be facing charges for direct assault and alarm and scandal.
The station said that the social media posts alleging that police personnel beat individuals without justifiable reasons were a "product of imagination invented to produce unreal, fabricated, and false allegations, a scenario that never happened during the time aimed to tarnish the reputation of the Buhangin Police Station."
The Buhangin Police Station said they already filed direct assault and alarm and scandal charges at the Prosecutor's Office on April 28, 2025.
It can be recalled that a Facebook post by one Adrelyn Amaquin claimed that the two individuals were beaten by police personnel during their visit to the Buhangin Police Station.
"Gepang badjakan ang duha ka bata, puwdi vah ne mga ma'am in sir, akong anak nga babae minor, palihog ko sa inyong tubag, unsay dapat Nako buhaton aning tawhana (The two children were beaten up. Ma'am and Sir, may I ask what to do, my daughter is a minor, please give me your response. What should I do about this person)," she said.
DCPO then stressed that their office is committed to upholding human rights and the rights of suspects. Regardless of gender or background, they are respected.
It added that an internal investigation is ongoing for full transparency and accountability.
The office then reminded the public to stop spreading unverified information, which would cause panic and misunderstanding. It added that it remains dedicated to maintaining the trust and confidence of the community by performing its duties.
DCPO also said that it is important for the public to be law-abiding citizens and respect the law, as well as cooperation with the authorities is essential in maintaining peace and order in communities. They said that through lawful conduct, people can avoid legal consequences and contribute to a safe and harmonious environment. RGP