2 barangay guards facing homicide case over death of curfew violator in Laguna

Police are preparing a homicide complaint against 2 barangay tanods or guards in Calamba, Laguna who allegedly beat a curfew violator who eventually died.

Ernanie Jimenez died on Friday after allegedly being beaten by some guards of Barangay Turbina on Wednesday night.

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According to Philippine National Police Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana, the Calamba police will file a homicide complaint against the 2 barangay guards.

“All these should be brought to the attention of the court. Bahala na po ang prosecutor to have an understanding kung may probable cause to file the information po against the two barangay tanods,” said Usana.

The victim, Ernanie Jimenez, 26, was arrested past 10 pm for violating the curfew.

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But according to representatives of Barangay Turbina, Jimenez was paralyzed after falling while being chased by barangay residents when he tried to flee.

The victim’s relatives denied the barangay’s statement.

Jimenez’s partner saw that the guard kicked him and he fell badly on the cement.

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2 barangay guards facing homicide case over death of curfew violator in Laguna

“Kaya alam ko pong masama ‘yung lagay kasi sobrang lakas po ng pagkabagok ng ulo niya, parang inihagis sa building, parang ganoon po, sa sobrang lakas,” said “Maria,” the victime’s live-in partner.

Some eyewitnesses also tried to stop the alleged assault but the barangay residents did not stop.

A CT scan of the victim showed a fracture or crack in the back of his skull but the autopsy has not yet come out so it cannot be said whether it was due to slipping or kicking.

The 2 barangay personnel strongly denied that they kicked, broke, or beat the curfew violator. He allegedly fell into drunkenness three times.

The 2 suspects insisted that they were not hiding and that they were ready to face any lawsuit.

This is not the first time someone has died violating the curfew, which was imposed amid restrictions triggered by the kick-off of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

Recently, a curfew violator was allegedly killed in General Trias, Cavite due to intense exercise that the police ordered him to do as punishment.