Press Release
August 5, 2014

Punish Cop Behind Mauling of Local Media Members - Sen. Bam to PNP

Senator Bam Aquino called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to act swiftly on a complaint against a neophyte policeman who allegedly threatened and harmed several media practitioners in Agusan del Sur recently.

"We strongly condemn this incident. This is unacceptable; policemen should be the ones protecting members of the fourth estate from threats they receive in their performance of duty," said Aquino.

"The PNP must conduct a swift investigation into the matter and if found guilty, the policeman behind this incident should be removed as law enforcer and face criminal charges for his actions," the senator added.

"Their uniforms and badges aren't symbols for power and abuse; our police force is here to serve and protect our people," Aquino added.

Several media practitioners, led by Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent Chris Panganiban, accused Police Officer 1 Suharto Dimakuta Salacop and his companions of mauling Clemente Aroy Jr., a cameraman of PTV 4 Channel 8, at a KTV Bar.

Panganiban claimed that Salacop also threatened them with his service firearm before hitting of his companions on the head. Panganiban added that Salacop and his companions also kicked some of his fellow journalists.

The suspects fled after the incident while the complainants rushed Aroy to the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital where he received several stitches for the deep lacerations he sustained from the attack.

According to Panganiban, they went to 3KCs Dine Inn and KTV Bar around 1:15 a.m. to unwind after attending a three-day seminar-workshop on journalism.

"Aroy politely requested one of the singers to allow one of our companions to join them on stage but the policeman took it the wrong way," Panganiban said.

After the song was over, a certain Joey and Michael Kimal, a brother of Salacop, dragged Aroy into the corner and took turns in mauling him using plastic chairs and a caliber .45 pistol.

"We tried to help Aroy but Salacop pointed his gun and threatened us," said Panganiban.

The Salacops are sons of Municipal Circuit Trial Court Judge Kimal Salacop of Trento town.

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