Metro Manila, Philippines – A police officer, who claimed that he was coerced in a House of Representatives hearing, is now under detention for contempt.
Quad-panel lead chairperson Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ace Barbers said PCol Hector Grijaldo was arrested on Dec. 14.“He wants to stay in the hospital and have a hospital arrest. But of course, we did not allow that because sabi ng mga doctors niya, pwede naman, ambulatory siya,” Barbers told reporters in a chance interview on Monday, Dec. 16.[Translation: But of course, we did not allow that because his doctors said he is ambulatory.]“There’s no reason for him to stay in the hospital,” he added.On Dec. 2, Grijaldo underwent shoulder surgery and has been confined in a health facility in Pasig City. He has been detained at the House premises until the quad-panel completes its probe.
Grijaldo told a separate Senate hearing Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante and Santa Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez forced him to corroborate retired PCol Royina Garma’s testimony about a reward system during the Duterte drug war.
Garma’s legal counsels present during the meeting between the lawmakers and Grijaldo denied the claim.
