Manila, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced the official dismissal of five law enforcers from their posts following the incident in Panglao, Bohol last week.
During a press conference this Monday, DOTr secretary Vince Dizon announced that the agency, alongside with the Land Transportation office (LTO), sacked the LTO personnel involved in the violent apprehension of a farmer.
In a viral video last Friday, enforcers are seen arresting 57-year old Erifredo Velasco, who was carrying a knife while on a motorcycle. Velasco repeatedly argued that he is a farmer, hence, the knife.
As the video progressed, one enforcer pinned Velasco down to his motorcycle, threatening him with the knife.
Dizon condemned this incident, emphasizing that under no circumstance will the violent apprehension act be justified.
He also said that these violent acts are unbecoming of a law enforcer and should not be tolerated.
“Kahit na po totoo ‘yon, na naka-inom siya; kahit na po totoo na may hawak siyang patalim—I was informed, na ‘yun naman po talaga ay hawak-hawak niyang madalas dahil siya nga po ay isang magsasaka at ginagamit niya ‘yon kapag siya ay nagtatrabaho sa kanyang sakahan—Kahit na po kung lumabas sa ating investigation na talaga ay siya ay nakasakay sa isang kolorum na motorsiklo; kahit na po lahat ‘yan, wala pong mag-jujustify sa nakita nating dahas na ipinakita ng ating law enforcers. Kaya po ‘yan ang basehan ng aming desisyon,” Dizon said.
Dizon emphasized that this dismissal will not put any prejudice to potential cases that may be filed as the investigation progresses.
Prior to the dismissal, DOTr had already ordered the suspension of the involved LTO officers, whose names and identities were not disclosed.
Moreover, aiming to prevent any similar incident in the future, DOTr will be forming a task force that will be reviewing all the rules and policies on use of motorcycles, for both LTO and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
“Kailangan po nating repasuhin at review-hin ang current na mga regulasyon. Kasi po baka naman po, ito din po ang nagiging source ng abusive behavior ng ilan sa ating mga law enforcers. So, kailangan po natin pag-aralan ‘yan,” he added.
Presently, Velasco is admitted to the hospital with his family while the investigation on the incident remains ongoing.