(2nd UPDATE) Two Manila police officers are facing criminal complaints after a Valenzuela City traffic enforcer accused them of punching and hitting him with a gun.

The officers have been charged with grave threat and physical injuries at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Valenzuela City. 

The traffic enforcer said he was traveling along M.H. Del Pilar in Brgy. Mabolo, Valenzuela City July 14 at past 4 a.m. when he noticed the two men on a motorcycle.

He said they were not wearing helmets, a violation of the city ordinance, but did not immediately confront them.

“Papunta po ako sa opisina namin tapos nakita ko sila sa kanto ng Bisig, nasa labas po sila wala po mga helmet. Pero hindi po sila sinita…. habang tumatakbo po kami... nakatingin sa akin na nakangiti po, yun nga po wala silang mga helmet,” the victim said.

(I was on my way to our office when I saw them at the corner of Bisig. They were outside without helmets. I didn't confront them immediately. As we were moving, [police officer], who was at the back, was smiling at me, and indeed, they were not wearing helmets.)

“Napatingin lang po ako sa kanila, sasabihan ko sana iyon nga po wala silang mga helmet, tapos sa unahan ko banda, bigla nila akong ginitgit at sinabi po sa akin... na ‘Sama mo makatingin ha!’,” added the traffic enforcer.

(I just looked at them, intending to point out that they weren't wearing helmets. When I was about to do so, they suddenly approached me, and [one police officer] said to me, 'Why are you staring?')

The suspects allegedly continued to intimidate him.

“Nandito po sa left niya po at naka ready po yung kamay niya po sa akin, tapos yung kanan niya kamay nandito rin po sa baril niya po,” hesaid

([Police officer] was on my left, ready to grab me, with his right hand on his gun.)

He claimed he pushed the police officer's hand away, and in response, the officer struck him with the gun on his side.

“Sinabi ko na lang po na ‘lima anak ko sir’, habang nahihirapan ako huminga sabi ko, lima anak ko. ‘Yun pala umalis ka na rito! Labas ka na tito, babarilin kita e!’,” aniya.

(I just said, 'I have five kids, sir,' while struggling to breathe. I said, 'I have five kids.' He responded, 'Get out of here! Leave now, or I'll shoot you!')

Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian was angered by the incident.

“I think the suspects, the reason kung bakit sila nagpunta ng Valenzuela ay para mag-inuman so more or less they are intoxicated the moment na nangyari po ito,” he said.

(I think the suspects went to Valenzuela to drink, so more or less they were intoxicated when this happened.)

“Sa lahat ng mga kawani, wag po pumayag na magpabastos sa ilang mga kapulisan, ang masakit pa kapulisan na hindi taga-Valenzuela. Huwag kayo matatakot na gawin ang kailangan niyo gawin basta alam niyo na tama ito,” the mayor added.

(To all employees, do not tolerate disrespect from some police officers, especially those who are not from Valenzuela. Do not be afraid to do what is right.)

The victim expressed gratitude for the actions taken against the two officers.

“Kala ko po katapusan ko na noong araw na iyon... Salamat na lang po at nahuli ninyo ang tao na iyan. Hindi sila dapat humawak ng barik at manakit ng kapwa nila. Ngayon po nangangamba ako sa buhay ko baka balikan nila ako,” said the traffic enforcer.

(I thought that day would be my end. Thank you for catching them. They should not handle firearms and harm others. Now I fear for my life, worried they might come after me.)

In a message sent to Gatchalian, Manila police chief BGen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said the incident would be investigated. The two officers have also been suspended.

"We will not tolerate their wrongful actions," Ibay said.

"As for our action taken, pina-relieve na po natin sila from their present assignment at MPD PS12 to District Personnel Holding and Accounting Section," he added.

(As for our action taken, we have relieved them from their present assignment at MPD PS12 to the District Personnel Holding and Accounting Section.)

The service firearms of the two involved officers have also been confiscated.

"Administrative case of grave misconduct has been initiated,” Ibay added.

The traffic enforcer was also given a commendation by the local government for fulfilling his duty. He was also provided with financial assistance.