The Barangay Captain of Dasmariñas Village defended the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who clashed with a foreign resident of the super-exclusive subdivision.
On a statement, Barangay Captain Rossana Hwang said that they allowed cops to roam around the posh village since March 5, 2020, because they’re asking for assistance in implementing the enhanced community quarantine.
She then defended the cop Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Roland Madrona only reminded a maid watering plant to wear a mask, however instead of simply following the orders, the incident escalated when the owner of the house, Javier Parra where the helper was working confronted the cops.
According to Hwang, Madrona stayed calm despite being badmouthed by the Parra who even claimed that he had employed 80 Filipinos.
“PSMS Madrona reminded the staff of the resident to wear mask or she will be fined. The maid went inside the house. All of a sudden, the resident came out of the house without a mask and began cussing PSMS Madrona. PSMS Madrona was unfazed and cool and tried to explain that he was reminding them to follow the law. The Resident even pointed a dirty finger at PSMS Madrona and told him to go to Tondo and get out of his house. All the time PSMS Madrona was standing in the street. Then when he wouldn’t stop, PSMS Madrona said, “I will arrest you”,” Hwang’s statement reads.
“The resident resisted arrest and when he was about to handcuff him, the wife said he had spinal injury. PSMS Madrona let go of him out of humanitarian reasons. In the meantime, backup arrived. The superior of PSMS Madrona,Major Anthony Bagsik, decided to just blotter the incident because the wife was pleading with him. Major Bagsik discussed with me to summon them and have the lupon mediate between PSMS Madrona and the resident to not blow up the matter. PSMS Madrona had to follow his superior’s decision. So they thought all is well that ends well,” she added.
However, Hwang was surprised when an online news website posted the story about the confrontation between Madrona and Parra,
She also insisted that what the cops did was legal as Parra committed illegal acts in front of the police officer and even step out of his private property to confront the cops.
“He was committing a crime in the presence of the officer and could be arrested even if he retreated to his property, barangay was advised.
Barangay was also advised that aside from Verbal Assault and Unjust Vexation, this is Violation of Art 151 of RPC for Simple Disobedience in relation to Local Ordinance requiring the wearing of face mask, and for being intoxicated outside the house. He can also be charged with violation of R.A. 11332, sec 9e for failure to follow guidelines set by DOH. – Brgy Capt Rossana Hwang of Barangay Dasmariñas,” Hwang said.
Meanwhile, Dasmariñas Village Association said that they’re supporting the government on their policies, however, they also “recognizes the right of all residents to be secure in their houses against unwarranted intrusion by law enforcement officers.”