Cop claiming coercion now under House detention

Metro Manila, Philippines - A police officer, who claimed that he was coerced in a House of Representatives hearing, is now under detention for contempt.

Quad-panel lead chairperson Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ace Barbers said PCol Hector Grijaldo was arrested on Dec. 14.

“He wants to stay in the hospital and have a hospital arrest. But of course, we did not allow that because sabi ng mga doctors niya, pwede naman, ambulatory siya,” Barbers told reporters in a chance interview on Monday, Dec. 16.

[Translation: But of course, we did not allow that because his doctors said he is ambulatory.]

“There's no reason for him to stay in the hospital,” he added.

On Dec. 2, Grijaldo underwent shoulder surgery and has been confined in a health facility in Pasig City. He has been detained at the House premises until the quad-panel completes its probe.

Grijaldo told a separate Senate hearing Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante and Santa Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez forced him to corroborate retired PCol Royina Garma’s testimony about a reward system during the Duterte drug war.

Garma’s legal counsels present during the meeting between the lawmakers and Grijaldo denied the claim.

The police officer was invited by the House quad-committee but has skipped four times, prompting lawmakers to cite him in contempt.