4 cops relieved, 2 gang members eyed in tambay’s death

MANILA–Four Quezon City policemen have been relieved from their post following the death while under police custody of Genesis Argoncillo, who was apprehended for alleged violation of local laws against “tambays”.

In a statement to newsmen Friday, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Police Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr. also reported that three witnesses have identified two detainees in beating up Argoncillo inside the detention facility of the Novaliches Police Station (PS4).

The two suspects, Sputnik gang members Justince Mercado and Richard Bautista with some other detainees, reportedly beat up Argoncillo, also known as Tisoy, at the PS4 lockup cell, the QCPD statement said, citing a witness, Nestor Millete, who said he saw the two gang members maul Argoncillo.

Two other witnesses Sterence Lamac and Rolly San Jose, on the otherhand, said they saw Mercado and Bautista beat up Argoncillo. The witnesses were brought to the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDG) under Police Supt. Rodelio Marcelo .

The QCPD earlier said that pending results of the investigation on Argoncillo’s death, four police personnel have been relieved of their posts effective Wednesday.

Relieved were QCPD Station 4 Commander, Police Supt. Carlito Grijaldo and duty jailer PO3 Dennis Saño, Desk Officer SPO3 Ronald Nanola, Staff Duty Officer Police Insp. Oliver dela Cruz and Shift Patrol Supervisor SPO4 Valerio Perez.

Meanwhile, the QCPD said it has apprehended 135 individuals for violation of laws, city ordinances last Wednesday.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Thursday reiterated his instructions for field units not to deviate from standard procedures in enforcing city and municipal ordinances regarding crackdown on “tambays”.