MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Guillermo Eleazar on Monday said Jake Cuenca would be held accountable for allegedly speeding away following a crash involving a police car.
A stray bullet struck a Grab driver after police fired at Cuenca’s vehicle during a car chase.
“Now, I understand the negative sentiments of our kababayan on this issue but let us not forget why this incident happened in the first place: May isang motorista na imbes na humingi ng paumanhin at panagutan ang kanyang pagkakamali ay gumawa ng eksenang pang-teleserye at pampelikula,” said Eleazar.
According to Eleazar, what Cuenca did was reckless and amounted to a “lack of discipline” and “respect” to the authorities.
“Being an actor and a public figure, he must set a good example for people who idolize him by owning up to his mistake and facing its consequences,” said Eleazar.
“Sa iyong ginawa, titiyakin ko na mananagot ka sa pambabastos mo hindi lang sa mga pulis kundi sa batas, at sa kawalan mo ng disiplina sa sarili,” Eleazar added.
Eleazar then promised the Grab driver that the PNP would take care of all medical and financial expenses during his recovery.
If the Grab driver decides to take legal action, the PNP will welcome and respect that decision, he said.
“I have already instructed the District Director of EPD, Police Brig. Gen. Matthew Bacay, to place all the personnel involved under restrictive custody while the investigation is being conducted,” said Eleazar.
“We assure the public that disciplinary measures will be imposed on the personnel involved and corrective measures will be implemented in order to prevent the repeat of this incident,” he added.
Initial reports indicated that the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of Mandaluyong City police had completed an operation when a vehicle driven by actor Jake Cuenca rammed into their car. The vehicle rammed a retaining wall in the area as well.
Cuenca allegedly drove away instead of getting out of the car, resulting in a car chase. During the incident, the operatives fired at the tires of Cuenca’s car to stop it. (©Philippine Daily Inquirer 2021)
