MANILA – The chief of police of General Trias City in Cavite was relieved following the death of Darren Peñaredondo, who was penalized for curfew violation.
Police Chief Lt. Col. Marlo Solero was sacked and put under direct supervision ad control of the provincial director along with two others, Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said Wednesday.
“The Provincial Director went to General Trias to validate for himself from vital witnesses what actually happened during that fateful night that may probably be one of the preceding causes of the death of Mr. Darren Peñaredondo,” Usana said.
According to him, two curfew violators testified that they were ordered to do physical exercise as punishment.
Solero previously denied the allegations saying community service is the only punishment for those caught violating the curfew.
Police Corporals Jerome Vibar and Kenneth Mercene – accused of requiring Peñaredondo and seven other violators to do the knee bending exercises – were also dismissed.
Peñaredondo was arrested on April 1 and was brought to the police station.
Despite his claim that he has heart disease, policemen ordered him to do “pumping” exercises 100 times along with other violators. They were told to repeat since they failed to do it simultaneously.
Peñaredondo was able to return home but suffered seizure on Saturday and died in the hospital./PN
