NAPOLCOM dismisses cop involved in viral handcuffing incident in Taguig

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Wednesday dismissed from service the cop involved in a viral road rage incident in Taguig City, wherein a 76-year-old senior citizen was forcibly handcuffed.

The NAPOLCOM en Banc found Police Corporal Simeon Dimaala Suan guilty of multiple administrative charges, including two counts of less grave misconduct, two counts of grave misconduct, oppression, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. The Commission said Suan "aggressively assaulted and inflicted physical injuries" on the senior citizen.

In the viral video, Suan was seen handcuffing an individual following a vehicular incident in Taguig. He was removed from his unit and placed under restrictive custody shortly thereafter.

According to the Southern Police District, a police officer and a senior citizen were involved in a road collision in Barangay Bagumbayan. They were said to have settled the matter amicably. However, the SPD was still ordered to probe the incident.

Speaking at a press conference by the Napolcom last June, Suan apologized over the confrontation even as he alleged that the elderly driver tried to run him over during the confrontation.

At the time, he claimed to be in possession of video from barangay officials regarding the incident.

Aside from dismissal from service, Suan will not be eligible to claim his benefits.

“Alongside the penalty of dismissal—which includes the forfeiture of benefits and perpetual disqualification from public office—the Commission directed that a copy of the Decision be officially forwarded to the Office of the Bar Confidant, as Suan is an applicant for membership in the Philippine Bar,” said NAPOLCOM.

"Good riddance. We need to cleanse the PNP of abusive cops. We will not miss him," said NAPOLCOM commissioner Rafael Calinisan.

Also during the June press conference, Suan said he tried to prevent the situation from escalating because a crowd had already gathered at the scene and traffic had built up.

Suan raised questions about the moral character of the senior citizen, but the NAPOLCOM then pointed out that Suan had administrative cases, suspensions, and a prior demotion.

Tensions rose during the press conference as Calinisan and Suan ended up having a heated exchange.

GMA News Online is seeking to reach out to Suan through the Southern Police District. — VDV, GMA News