No Use Arguing with Guards with Guns (An Incident at RCBC Plaza)

[Tifosi]

Hey peeps! Got this in the mail this morning and I found it rather disturbing...

Dear friends and colleagues,

I was mauled by the security personnel at RCBC Plaza last Tuesday, April 20, 2004. I am attaching below a copy of my statement which I am using for legal action. Be wary of people using abusive force under the mantle of legitimate "inspection". I sincerely wish my experience will not happen to any of you or your loved ones. If you think it's a good idea to send my story to your network, please do pass it forward along with my appreciation and gratitude.

Sincerely,

Anton "Noni" Mauricio
Managing Director, Interpacific United Strategies Inc. Lecturer, DLSU-Dasmarinas Student, DLSU-GSB MS Computational Finance Member, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX)

========<FILE ATTACHED>==========

April 20 mauling incident by RCBC Plaza security

At about 4:50pm yesterday, April 20, a Tuesday, as I was driving my car entering the RCBC Plaza along Ayala Ave. corner Buendia, my car was subjected to the security checkpoint outside the building. I unlocked my door and one of the guards opened my rear door and another one was trying to open the trunk. Apparently he tried to open the trunk door at the same time I unlocked it, which caused it to jam.

I heard several taps on my trunk which I took as a signal that I was being let go, since there were several other cars behind me. I was rushing for my final exams in the Graduate School of Business of De La Salle located in the building.

As I was at the ticket counter, a guard holding a shotgun accosted me and berated me for "fleeing" the checkpoint. By this time, I was quite upset being late for my class and insulted that I was being addressed in a rude manner. An minor altercation between myself and several armed guards ensued. We were eventually pacified and my car was allowed to enter the premises.

After I parked in Basement 5, one Bong Manalang, identifying himself as head of security, shouted at me and laid hands on me, telling me to go with them to the security office. I was surrounded by around 8 to 10 barong-clad men and uniformed and armed guards. I did not want to go with them but they forced me to go with them inside the main elevator at Basement 5.

Once inside, Bong Manalang shouted, provoked, and punched me in the stomach. I tried to defend myself and got off one counterpunch but then all the guards started kicking, kneeing, punching and elbowing me in the face and all over my body. My glasses were broken, and I could not find my computer bag. This went on for a few minutes until the elevator opened, whereupon they dragged me out of my crouching position as I was pleading with them to stop.

The next few minutes I was still being beaten by punches and kicks to the face and body. I appeared to be in some docking area but I was on the verge of blacking out. I could not see anymore without my glasses, which was never given back to me. I was bleeding, my vest was torn and my polo shirt was open to my waist as they repeatedly kicked and dragged me. I pleaded with them that Guia Santos (of
RCBC) was a former classmate but they just laughed at me. By that time there may have been around 15 guards, with this Bong Manalang repeating to anyone who would care to listen that I punched him for no reason and that I was "nagwawala".

A young short cop was there at the dock area, and he witnessed some blows and kicks given to me, but not the flurry in the elevator. Then a woman in a jacket identified herself as a cop and showed her uniform by unzipping her jacket then zipping it right back up. She refused to give her name. The cops were unsympathetic despite the fact that I was bruised, bloodied, half-naked, and alone.

The woman cop asked the same security guys who beat me up to put me in handcuffs. This was already almost 5pm. The handcuffs were put on too tight and I have wounds in my wrist as a result.

I tried to ask them to allow me to make a phone call but the cops wouldn't allow it, and they were berating me for going against RCBC security. It was a bit hazy but I was led to a 2nd elevator and then to a waiting car. I could not sit properly with my handcuffs. Throughout the 30-minute ride to Precinct 6 behind Intercon hotel, Bong Manalang was repeating that I punched him first, that I created the whole scenario, that I had damaged his eyeglasses, and that "hindi pa to tapos, pagkagaling natin sa pulis mag-square tayo". I kept quiet the whole time because I was alone, disallowed from calling anyone, and practically blind, with the cops unsympathetic to me.

When we arrived at Precinct 6, Bong Manalang again repeated his story, and the cops there took his side once more. The cops would not take a statement from me, would not allow me to make a phone call, and recommended that I be brought to Ospital ng Makati by the very same guys who beat me up.

At this point I reiterated firmly that they were illegally detaining me for more than 45 minutes, that I knew my rights and that they had repeatedly denied me from making any phone calls despite my having a cell phone on my person. They relented and took more than 5 minutes removing my handcuffs because it was too tight and had dug into my skin.

Finally one of the senior cops relented allowed me to stay while Bong Manalang and his crew left, with my laptop bag in tow, to have themselves registered at the Ospital ng Makati for their "bruises".

I finally made a call to my friends and lawyers and after sometime was able to go to Makati Med for treatment and then after that to Ospital ng Makati for medico-legal purposes. The Ospital ng Makati people noted that Bong Manalang and one other guard had themselves examined also earlier in the evening, and that they were parroting the same story to them as well. However, seeing my bruised and sorry condition, the hospital people believed my story instead.

The Precinct 6 police refused to have my statement blottered and were insistent on referring the matter to headquarters. They finally relented when I got back to the hospital and my statement was taken and blottered by around 11:30 pm. By this time, my cuts and bruises were already swelling and I was able to see a mirror and saw that even the whites of my eyes were clotted with blood from the severity of the beating.

I have written this statement to condemn the injustice I suffered from Bong Manalang and the dozen other RCBC guards who beat up a defenseless guest because I apparently did not open my trunk at their checkpoint.


Antonilo D. Mauricio

Nagpapark pa naman ako dito minsan, pero I don't find them rude naman. Thus, it's always good to remember to never argue with a man carrying a gun. You'll never win.

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do...

[odell]

pucha... hdine na pwede un ganyan.. pag hidne ko madaan yan sa law ng ating bansa titirahin ko talaga yan.. sobra sobra na yan eh

[Chip]

aaargh!!!
umiinit ulo ko a!
dapat kasi di binibigyan ng baril yang mga war-freak na yan e. tapos they had no right to even touch the dude kasi wala naman dyang ginawa e. grrrrrr..

[BlackMagic]

Is there any way we could monitor the progress of this case? I want those SOB's to land in jail.

[Tifosi]

Nagdadalawang isip na nga ko magpark dun eh. Mas mura kasi flat rate nila dun eh kay dun ako nagpapark minsan. Come to think of it, parang mga psycho ang mga guard nila dun eh. Sayang hindi ito nacirculate sa media para at least ma-track ang progress. No one deserves to be treated that way. Pano ka ba namang mananalo kung kuyugin ka nang sandosenang secu na armado?!? I hope these bastards go to jail, they could've have killed the guy. The world is a better place without them.

[hens]

marami din kasing kupal na mayayabang na car owner...(madalas akong nakakakita kung murahin yung mga sikyo)...tsk,tsk..parang sila ang nagpapakain dun sa mga sikyo!

minsan kasi, maliit na bagay lang pinalalaki pa dahil lang sa pride!(napahiya!)..sus! VIP epek!

(ewan ko lang ha...pero ako mabait ako sa mga sikyo, nakikipag-tsikahan ako, yung mga sikyo sa Bangko, Resto at Mall) habang nagyoyosi sa labas..

pero mali nga yung mga sikyo sa sitwasyon na yan!..OA na!

[1D4LV]

i'm working at the RCBC Plaza. the news is true. may mauling na nangyari. pero parang biased yung report. according the the reports submitted by the Head of Security, medyo maangas yung guy. and sya yung naghahamon.

but still, our Corporate affairs division is handling and still getting additional information about the incident. i'll try to get a softcopy of the report and post it here...

[1D4LV]

as promised. eto yung report ng guards.. kayo na lang bahalang humusga, pero as an employee working here at the RCBC Plaza, totoo yang balitang yan.

o O O


That on or about 1700H, Tuesday 20th of April I have monitored a call over the radio by one of our Stationary Guard namely SG Denis Supan, asking for assistance because there is one car Mercedez Benz with Plate no. XGT-469 IGORED and SPED OFF our vehicle inspection checkpoint at Buendia area that almost hit the Security Guard/s assigned at that post.

That after a few minutes, again SG Denis Supan radioed to his Officers for help/assistance because they were able to intercept the said car/driver at Basement 1 car park entrance, “(at this juncture while the security Guard is asking for help I can hear/monitor on the radio that the driver is getting out of control because he keeps on shouting and Badmouthing the guards thereat)” ticketing booth, and simultaneously asking for our K-9 dog/unit to respond likewise sensing that there is DANGER brought y this car/driver because of his actions to evade our vehicle checkpoint.

That at this point, I immediately gave order to my Security officers to check the situation and asses it, and at the same time the undersigned immediately radioed for our K-9 dog/unit to respond and panel the said vehicle for suspicion that there might be a potential threat that was brought by this car/vehicle, considering the HIGH RISK status of the building brought about by our Embassy Tenants and their Security Requirements, and at the same time even asked for the assistance of the PNP Personnel’s assigned here at RCBC Plaza.

That after a few moments, SG Dennis Supan called up again over the radio informing us that the driver of the car gave him punch o his face and immediately sped off going to our Basement area at this juncture the undersigned asked SG Supan if the Police personnel assigned at this Building were able to respond to the incident, “he replied yes sir! PO1 Mesina, but according to SG Supan even the Policeman itself was BADMOUTHED and Humiliated by the said driver” (see attached statements/affidavits of Colliers car park employees attesting to what really transpired at the ticketing booth basement 1)


That at this juncture the undersigned sensing that the situation is getting out of control, again radioed to my Security Officers earlier instructed to check the situation, and in response they advise me that the car sped off going down to our Basement car park, at this point again I immediately called up our K-9 dog/unit to proceed at Basement 5 anticipating that the suspect is non-reserve parker so we could check / panel his car, and likewise radioed over my roving guard assigned at basement area to accompany me in checking the said person.

That at this point when the undersigned together with SG Wilfredo Atendido went out of the Carpark elevator at basement 5 lobby, we were able to anticipate the suspect who was BADMOUTHING and Throwing Bad Invectives to the uniformed Security Guards who follow him there such as “ SINO BA KAYO! MGA ****** INA NINYO! DI NINYO BA AKO KILALA PWEDE KO KAYO MGA IPASALVAGE, IPAPATAY” at this point, the undersigned calmly approached Mr. Antonio Mauricio together with SG Wilfredo Atentido and even Introduced my self as the Security Manager of RCBC Plaza Building, But Instead he ANGRILY replied at me, and at the same time POINTING his finger to my face, quoting him “ AH IKAW BA? ****** INA MO! ANG YAYABANG NG MGA GUWARDIYA MO! Still his finger pointing to my face, DI MO BA AKO KILALA? KAKLASE KO SI MS. GUIA SANTOS, KILALA KO SI AMB. YUCHENGCO! But still the undersigned told Mr. Mauricio to calm down and talk it over to our Security Office, and even assured that, if ever that my Security Guard/s has a violation in implementing our Standard operating Procedures or become arrogant I will not tolerate them and give them all the Proper Disciplinary Actions, but instead of calming down Mr. Antonilo Mauricio even threatened the undersigned, quoting him again saying “****** ina mo kaya kitang ipapatay O Ipasalvage kayo lahat! Kaya kitang Ipatanggal sa Trabaho mo” still pointing his finger to my face, (see attached statement of SG Wilfredo Atendido) then again the undersigned told MR. Mauricio to calm down, and even pleaded that this would not reach the point of his threat to us or be escalated, at this point the undersigned again invited Mr. Mauricio to our Security Office to settle everything, even still furious and angry to us he accepted our invitation, but when on board the elevator he again BADMOUTHED the undersigned saying “PUTANGINAMO ANG YAYABANG NG MGA GUARDS MO! SINO KA BA?” still his finger pointed at my face, the undersigned calmly replied, “ ako nga si MR. Bong Manalang, Security Manager ng Building” and calmly Pleaded to Mr. Antonilo Mauricio to PLEASE! Take off his Finger at my FACE, at my surprised he just Throwed a PUNCH at my face making my eye Glasses to break and myself dizzy, then he pulled me down breaking my wrist watch and my barong Tagalog to be ripped, at this juncture I don’t have any recourse but to protect myself and fight back to this MAD and FURIOUS person, shoving everybody in the elevator who wanted to stop him because they are worried that the glass panels at the elevator would break, at this juncture the undersigned ordered that Mr. Mauricio be handcuffed, so as not to inflict more harm or danger to RCBC Property and immediately ordered to be brought to the nearest Police Station together with PO1 Menes of PNP-SAF for proper filing of charges.


That at the Police Station, The Station Commander advise the undersigned to go to Hospital ng Makati for Medico-Legal if we want to file charges against Mr. Mauricio, but still Mr. Mauricio threatened the undersigned saying that “ Di mo ako kilala Mr. Bong Manalang! Di mo alam kung sino tinalo mo at kung ano kaya ko na ipagawa sa iyo o sa inyo”.

That when we came back at the Police Station 6 after I and SG Dennis Supan finished our Medico-Legal at Hospital ng Makati on or about 2000H, a certain Atty. Walter Mauricio approached the undersigned and introduced himself as the Counsel/Lawyer of Mr. Antonilo Mauricio, and even asked that this incident be Amicably Settled ( In the Presence of our Property Manager Engr. Gener Peciller and Renel Reyes) with out filing the proper charges, the undersigned replied that this should be made with the presence also of our Lawyer/Counsel, it was originally scheduled at 0800H the following day 21st of April 2004, but again it was re-scheduled at 4:00 pm, sensing that they are just delaying our course of actions the undersigned proceeded to PCP-6 around 1:00 pm for proper recording and filing of case.

o O o

[benchph1]

My father used to be the general manager of rcbc plaza..and i also know some people from the building management office..im going to ask them about this incident..

[sauman]

nampota yung Bong Manalang and co. na yun a, kahit pa sabihin pa nating may kasalanan din yung complainant ang kakapal ng mukha ng mga pota dinaan lang nila sa dami yung tao at di lang dun tyak nakatutok pa mga shot gun nung mga yun. Dapat diyan sa mga yan mabulok sa bilangguan.

[gretzy]

siguro nga nagmumura na ung tao, pero di ba if ur in the same situation kahit siguro sino sasabihin kong kamag-anak ko, di pa rin tama for these guards to beat him up

[ian_rex]

yes, sue them. after all these men thought they were tough. but really they are cowards! it's not your fault that your trunk was jammed, apparently, it ws their fault in the first place. looks like we will going to have a legal battle here. sue them. matapang lang sila kasi armado sila.

[qman]

kahit na maangas iyong me mercedez benz, di pa rin dapat ginawa iyon. Maximum tolerance pa rin dapat sila ang me baril tatlo lang ang humawak doon dina makakapalag iyon eh. Eh ginulpi, dapat gulpihin din yang gwardiya na yan.

[BlackMagic]

if it were indeed self defense, I dont think it would have reached the point na nag suntukan pa sa loob ng elevator. Madami naman ibang guard sa loob ng elevator so madali lang ma subdue ang isang tao.
Now if Mr Mauricio was indeed arrogant, he deserves a decent spanking nga.
Ang hirap sa case na ito, its Mauricio's word vs Manalang's word. Mauricio could ask the other people ie parking attendant to testify if he is tellign the truth.

[hens]

Apparently he tried to open the trunk door at the same time I unlocked it, which caused it to jam.

kung sa akin yan itatabi ko lang muna ung kotse...i'm sure naman kung di talaga mabuksan...di naman pipilitin ng sikyo yan... di walang problema sana..

or baka napikon dahil chedeng pala kotse niya at ayaw bumukas yung trunk!..na pahiya!..:D joke!

[Tifosi]

When I first heard about this incident, nagtaka ako kasi the trunk not opening has happened to me lots of times (makapit kasi yung mga weather strips sa trunk nung oto ko at ng sa ermats ko). When this happens naman, the guard/s call my attention and I just tell them na hatakin nila pataas, which gets the job done naman.

He may have been arrogant, and (if ever) kelangan turuan ng manners, but to be beaten to a pulp by more than a dozen men with guns, and handcuffed is OVERKILL. They obviously don't know MAXIMUM TOLERANCE. Ngayon, sino kaya ang security agency handling RCBC Plaza? Kelangan palitan na yung contractor na yun. What assurances do we have na hindi mangyayari ulet yun di ba?

Dapat talaga ikulong na yang mga guards na yan. Menace to society sila:mad: Mahirap makipagtalo sa mga ganyan, kadalasan mga walang pinag-aralan ang mga yan. Kung papatol ako sa kanila, I'm no better than them!

[yebo]

nagkatagpo lang sila, they deserve each other!

isang mayabang na mayaman at isang mayabang na aso ng mayaman! they deserve to meet!

kahit na nga ba nagmamadali ka pa, pag kelangan ng inspection ang car bago pumasok sa parking e di huminto ka. at kahit na sino ka pa pag pinahinto ka ng security, huminto ka. wala ka karapatan murahin yung tao na ginagawa lang ang trabaho nila.

may mali ang security, in that they beat the guy up (assuming that the report that they ganged up on the guy is true.)

but if the beating was to restrain (and sometimes it does take several blows before someone can be restrained) then it's just their job.

[zonda]

nagkatagpo lang sila, they deserve each other!

isang mayabang na mayaman at isang mayabang na aso ng mayaman! they deserve to meet!

kahit na nga ba nagmamadali ka pa, pag kelangan ng inspection ang car bago pumasok sa parking e di huminto ka. at kahit na sino ka pa pag pinahinto ka ng security, huminto ka. wala ka karapatan murahin yung tao na ginagawa lang ang trabaho nila.

may mali ang security, in that they beat the guy up (assuming that the report that they ganged up on the guy is true.)

but if the beating was to restrain (and sometimes it does take several blows before someone can be restrained) then it's just their job.

agree!

kung sino kasi putak ng putak yun yung ebak. ilang beses na palang inimbitahan para daanin sa diplomasya eh maangas pa din. hirap kasi sa iba pag pinasukan ng hangin ang utak.

[white_tea]

I know this person "Noni Mauricio". He's really way-off. I mewt this guy in one of the diplomatic parties I attended. A typical major a**hole I'd say. He deserves it.

I really believe what the security guards says. I've been parking my car for 4 years inside the RCBC buidling but never had any problems at all. They're just doing their job.

[ess]

yebo said...
<snip>
isang mayabang na mayaman at isang mayabang na aso ng mayaman! they deserve to meet!

Heheheh ... true! True!

Anwyay, wala bang security cameras sa building na yon? Dapat meron para may evidence kung ano talaga ang nangyari.

Maybe such problems could have been avoided if the building owner spent a little extra in installing security cameras instead of hiring more security guards.