By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A man initially detained for alleged trespassing now faces more serious criminal charges after allegedly attacking a police officer with a steel bar inside a Manila Police District (MPD) community precinct, leaving the officer seriously injured and requiring surgery.
The suspect, identified as Faustino Pangilinan Jr., 36, of Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, is facing complaints for Frustrated Homicide and Direct Assault upon a Person in Authority under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code.
The incident occurred at around 4 p.m. Tuesday inside the Smokey Mountain Police Community Precinct (PCP) under Raxabago Police Station (PS-1) along Mel Lopez Boulevard in Tondo, Manila.
The injured officer was identified as Patrolman Marianeto Gabumpa Jr., 30, who is assigned to the Smokey Mountain PCP.
Police said Pangilinan was first apprehended at around 2 a.m. after security guards assigned at Smokey Mountain reported that he had entered a restricted area while allegedly intoxicated.
Security guards Aquilino Montes and Maresa Montes sought police assistance after the suspect allegedly became unruly when confronted during their patrol.
The suspect was brought to the police precinct at around 5:30 a.m., where officers waited for his relatives to take custody of him.
According to the police investigation, Pangilinan attempted to escape from police custody at around 4:30 p.m. while still inside the precinct.
As officers tried to restrain him, the suspect allegedly grabbed a round steel bar and repeatedly struck Patrolman Gabumpa on the head and other parts of his body.
Police said the assault continued until responding officers subdued and arrested the suspect.
Gabumpa was rushed to Mary Johnson Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to the Philippine Orthopaedic Center, where he underwent surgery on his injured right index finger.
Authorities said Pangilinan was informed of his constitutional rights in a language he understood before being taken to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Medical Center for a medical examination.
The Manila Police District said inquest proceedings are being prepared before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office, where charges for Frustrated Homicide and Direct Assault upon a Person in Authority will be formally filed against the suspect.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing while additional evidence and documentation are being finalized.
ia/xf
