Twelve police officers are now facing criminal and administrative cases after a man died shortly after being restrained during a commotion at a convenience store in Pasay City on August 5, ABS-CBN News reported.
According to Pasay Police Chief Col. Joselito de Sesto, the victim was identified as John Paul Magat, a resident of Macabebe, Pampanga. Store employees had called police when Magat reportedly forced his way into the stockroom, damaged property, and created a disturbance.
CCTV footage showed two personnel from the Southern Police District Mobile Force Battalion (SPD-MFB) pinning Magat down while attempting to handcuff him. He was later brought to Substation 5 but complained of breathing difficulties. He was rushed to Pasay City General Hospital where he was declared dead at 9:40 p.m.
Initial medical reports pointed to a possible heart attack. However, a forensic examination later revealed the cause of death as asphyxia due to manual strangulation. De Sesto clarified that this did not automatically mean Magat was choked by hand, explaining that “siguro nadaganan o kaya ano nadaganan ‘yung leeg.”
All 12 officers have been charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, while the two SPD-MFB officers involved in restraining Magat face additional charges of maltreatment of prisoners. They have since been relieved, disarmed, and placed under administrative holding.
De Sesto emphasized that commanders must strictly oversee operations to avoid excessive force during arrests, reminding officers: “Kung na-restrain na, tama na ’yun. Huwag nang bibigyan pa ng ibang excessive force.”
The Internal Affairs Service has launched a parallel probe for possible grave misconduct, while the police station involved has been ordered to explain its handling of the incident.
