Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Gen. Archie Gamboa has ordered an investigation on the incident in Makati City where tension rose between a police officer and a foreign national inside an executive village.
In a recorded video, Police Senior Master Sgt. Roland Madrona and resident Javier Parra were seen having a confrontation.
The Makati City Police explained that Madrona reminded the household helper to wear a mask while gardening and watering plants 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 at PSMS Madrona,” Makati City Chief of Police PCOL Rogelio Simon said.
In a statement, resident Javier Parra said he “wasn’t aware that there is a law saying that inside your own property you must wear a face mask.”
“I went outside to inquire why the policeman would want to collect 1000 pesos. I told him frankly that a fine isn’t necessary as it occurred on a private property,” Parra explained.
The PNP said that patrolling inside upscale and exclusive villages is upon the request of barangay officials.
Meanwhile, PNP Spokesperson PBGEN. Bernard Banac emphasized that police operations for law enforcement “are strictly guided by the Revised Police Operational Procedures” which police officers making arrests or intervening “should strictly observe.”
Both parties are now preparing the cases they will file regarding the incident. – Report from Bea Bernardo
