Nine cops are under investigation after they allegedly poured spiced vinegar on the genitals of a 16-year-old boy and his father.
According to a report in “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” the incident occurred in Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental. The boy, “Emerson”, was actually running away from his father, for fear of being beaten up.
“Emerson” shared that at past 7 p.m. on Tuesday, his father “Rey” came home drunk. The two of them got into an argument. As the fight got heated, “Emerson” ran off.
“Hinabol niya ako ng pamalo kaya humingi ako ng tulong,” he told KMJS.
(“He was going to hit me, so I sought help.”)
In an effort to seek help, “Emerson” headed to the 3rd platoon 1st Davao Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company. However, because he was frazzled, he went inside the cops’ break room instead of the service desk.
“Rey” managed to catch up to “Emerson” at the break room. However, instead of aiding “Emerson”, the cops led them both into a room.
“Natakot po ako kasi pinatay nila ang ilaw,” “Emerson” said. “Kaming dalawa pinapasok sa kwarto. Sabi po nila papatikimin nila ako ng sinamak, niyuyugyug po nila.”
(“They turned off the lights and told us to get into the room. They had spiced vinegar in their hands and told us that they’d have us taste the spiced vinegar.”)
According to “Emerson”, once he and “Rey” were in the room, the cops ordered them to remove their shorts.
The cops then allegedly poured the spiced vinegar on their sensitive parts.
“Sabi ko ‘Sir, tama na!’ Kasi hindi ko na kaya ang anghang na masyado,” “Emerson” said.
(“I asked them to stop because it was starting to hurt.”)
“Gusto ko na po lumabas kasi wala pa po akong kain nu’n pero ayaw nila po akong lumabas tapos tawa sila nang tawa,” he added.
(“I wanted to get out but they wouldn’t let me. They just kept laughing.”)
Eventually, they were released. “Rey” then disappeared, and so far, has yet to be found.
“Emerson” then went to rinse himself.
“Pagdating ko po sa bahay hindi ko na po kayang maglakad,” he recalled.
(“When I got home, I could barely walk.”)
For two days, “Emerson” struggled to walk. He also had difficulty in peeing.
His grandmother “Cora” was furious over the incident.
“Mabait ang apo ko. Ang sakit isipin sa mga pulis diyan. Humingi ako ng tulong sa kanila tapos ‘yun ang ginawa nila sa apo ko,” she said.
(“My grandson didn’t do anything wrong. He asked help from the police, but they did this to him instead.”)
Because they no longer knew who to turn to, Emerson’s aunt “Blessie” decided to upload the video on Facebook. The post has since gone viral.
The incident has reached Emerson’s mother “Linda” who works as a utility staff in Digos City.
“Hindi ko talaga inakala Ma’am, na ‘yan ‘yung gagawin ng pulis sa anak ko nanghingi ng tulong na ganyan yung gagawin niya sa anak ko,” she told KMJS.
“Nu’ng nalaman ko, umuwi ako nu’ng Miyerkules para matulungan ko siya, kasi ang gusto niya talaga Ma’am, ay mag file siya dun sa mga pulis dahil ‘yung gusto niya ay hustisya sa kanya.”
(“I didn’t think that the police would do that to my son. When I found out, I went home to help him file a case against the police.”)
Fortunately, “Emerson” was able to catch a glimpse of the cops’ faces before they turned off the lights and was able to identify them.
According to PNP Don Marcelino Officer-in-Chief Arvin Ongcay, the station is conducting its own investigation.
“Nine sila lahat. ‘Yung bata, dapat protektahan natin na hindi din siya matakot magstand. Nagsagot naman din ang bata na ‘Hindi ako magkamali, siya talaga!'”
However, the suspects declined to give an interview.
“As of now is restricted pa rin sila, nandun sila sa provincial office ng Davao Occidental. May order na rin na para while on going yung case, doon lang sila sa vicinity ng provincial office. Hindi naman po sila nakakulong kasi hindi pa din sila convicted,” said PNP Don Marcelino Officer-in-Chief Arvin Ongcay
Meanwhile, Atty. Jose Lorenzo Villamor said that there could be grounds for a possible charge of violation of Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
In the meantime, KMJS accompanied “Emerson” to the hospital for a checkup. They also consulted a psychologist.
Dr. Jon Carandang said that “Emerson” was still in a “state of shock”.
“Maaaring mawala yung tiwala niya sa tao, maaaring pakiramdam niya na lagi siyang nasa panganib at magbabago yung kanyang behavior. Kailangan niya ng psychotherapy para maiproseso at matulungan siya makapagcope sa mga pang-araw-araw niyang pamumuhay.”
(“He might have difficulty trusting people. He may feel like he’s in danger. He needs psychotherapy to help him process what happened and to help him cope.”)
On Friday, “Emerson” formally filed a complaint against the suspects at the Department of Justice in Digos City.
Meanwhile, PNP Don Marcelino Officer-in-Chief Arvin Ongcay assured the public that the incident will be thoroughly investigated.
“Walang pinipili ang batas. Baka sabihin ‘Ay, hindi ‘yan gugulong kasi kapwa pulis.’ No, mali sila.”
“Marami ang matitino na pulis, minsan nadadamay. Huwag naman i-drag yung buong organization,” he added
(“The law excuses no one. There may be people who could be thinking that nothing would happen after the case is filed. They’re wrong.)
(“There are plenty of cops who adhere to ethical standards and this incident does not reflect the entire organization.”)
—JCB, GMA Integrated News
