QC No. 2 cop in hot water over parking issue
A ranking official of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) is in hot water after he was sued for grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer and oppression before the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB).
The complaint against P/Lt. Col. Ariel Capocao, QCPD Deputy Director for Operations, stemmed from a confrontation between him and the complainant, taxi driver Marlon Bacsal, due to a parking issue.
In his complaint, Bacsal said Capocao wanted his taxi that was parked adjacent to the policeman’s house immediately removed.
The driver told the police officer he would move his taxi once the sand that was dumped in the area where he usually parks has been removed later that day.
The complainant said he even apologized to the police officer, but the latter did not accept his explanation and instead cursed him.
Insulted, the complainant also cursed back at Capocao, telling him that he doesn’t own the road. Eventually, Bacsal decided to remove his taxi.
However, Capocao had Bacsal arrested without a warrant by police officers armed with M16 rifles.
They had Bacsal investigated and was sent for a medical examination before filing an unjust vexation case against him.
The PLEB gave Capocao seven days to respond to Bacsal’s complaint.
“We will resolve this case in a swift but fair manner. I assure you, in the end, justice will prevail,” lawyer Rafael Calinisan, QC PLEB’s executive officer, said.
City officials expressed its full support for the PLEB, saying they also want to hold police officers accountable for their misdeeds if there are any.