Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Officer Justiniano Biturin Accused of Beating Bar Owner

MANILA, Philippines

The Manila Police District (MPD) wants one of its members to answer an accusation that he beat up a comedy bar owner and took the his money and the cell phone of the owner's assistant early Wednesday morning.

The 43-year-old bar owner, Apollo Portez, a resident of España Avenue, Sampaloc, Manila, suffered bruises from the incident, according to Police Officer 3 Reginald de los Reyes of the MPD General Assignments Section.

In his complaint, the Portez said the policeman, Senior Police Officer 1 Justiniano Biturin, entered his bar on España Avenue at about 5:30 a.m. with two women. Biturin, who's assigned to a Police Community Precinct at the University Belt, ordered food and drinks.

After eating, the cop approached Portez and asked for a 10 percent discount, to which the owner agreed. But then the cop apparently changed his mind and asked if he could just leave without paying.

Portez refused, insisting that he could only give a 10-percent discount.

Angered, the cop reportedly mauled the victim. He even took the owner's wallet, which contained P P1,000.

The owner's assistant, 22-year-old Christopher Taplac, tried to stop the policeman. But the lawman turned his ire on him and even took his Nokia 2100 phone.

The MPD-GAS has invited the policeman to appear at the office to shed light on the incident.

Aside from the criminal charges, the policeman may also face administrative charges and summary dismissal proceedings. - GMANews.TV

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