A heated exchange erupted between National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan and Police Corporal Simeon Suan during a press conference on Wednesday, following a viral incident involving the arrest of a 76-year-old man after a minor traffic collision in Taguig City.
Suan, who was recently relieved from his post and placed under restrictive custody, was caught on video handcuffing and dragging senior citizen Santiago Garcia after their vehicles figured in a road accident along Manuel L. Quezon Avenue in Barangay Bagumbayan. The footage sparked public outrage and prompted an investigation.
During the briefing, Calinisan repeatedly questioned Suan's actions, arguing that the use of force against the elderly man was excessive and unjustified.
Suan defended himself, claiming Garcia had attempted to run him over and that he acted to prevent the situation from escalating. He also insisted that the viral video did not show the full context of the incident and asked for due process.
The confrontation intensified when Calinisan cited Suan's disciplinary record, which allegedly included previous cases of grave coercion, unlawful arrest, slight physical injuries, erasure of an official blotter entry, suspension, demotion, and unauthorized absences.
Calinisan also claimed that Garcia had paid P30,000 in an amicable settlement for damage to Suan's vehicle. Suan denied receiving any payment and accused the Napolcom official of trying to "look good in the media."
The exchange escalated further when Suan openly challenged Calinisan's statements, prompting the commissioner to order that he be escorted out of the venue.
Following the incident, Calinisan directed Napolcom's Legal Service to file criminal charges against Suan for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 7438, which outlines the rights of persons under arrest. He also ordered the filing of administrative complaints for oppression, grave misconduct, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. vowed to sanction Suan for allegedly showing disrespect toward the Napolcom commissioner during the press conference.
The Philippine National Police, for its part, reiterated its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and respect in all official engagements, saying it does not tolerate conduct that undermines the integrity of public institutions.
