Jake Cuenca arrested after cop chase, delivery rider hit by bullet

Actor Jake Cuenca was arrested and brought to the Mandaluyong Police Station after a car chase with the police on Saturday evening, October 9, according to reports from CNN Philippines and ABS-CBN.

Cuenca’s black Jeep Wrangler had allegedly hit a police vehicle in Barangay Barangka Ibaba, Mandaluyong as cops were in the middle of a buy-bust operation. Instead of stopping, Cuenca was said to have driven away instead, prompting the police to chase after him.

Near Shaw Boulevard, police shot at the Wrangler’s wheels to stop the car. Though this did ground Cuenca, 43-year-old delivery rider Eleazar Maritinito was hit by a stray bullet. Maritinito was brought to Rizal Medical Center, where he recovered.

Cuenca was brought to the Mandaluyong Police Station and was charged with a case of disobedience and reckless imprudence, according to the Eastern Police District. 

Eleazar chastises Cuenca

“[L]et us not forget why this incident happened in the first place: May isang motorista na imbes na humingi ng paumanhin at panagutan ang kanyang pagkakamali ay gumawa ng eksenang pang-teleserye at pampelikula,” said Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar.

(There was a motorist who, instead of apologizing and owning up to his mistake, instead created a scene worthy of a TV show or movie.)

“Sa iyong ginawa, titiyakin ko na mananagot ka sa pambabastos mo hindi lang sa mga pulis kundi sa batas, at sa kawalan mo ng disiplina sa sarili,” he added, addressing Cuenca directly.

(Because of what you’ve done, I will make sure that you will answer for disrespecting not just the police, but the law, and for your lack of self-discipline.)

As for the incident with delivery rider Maritinito, Eleazar apologized to Maritinito in a statement, assuring the driver that the PNP will cover all his medical expenses, and shall also extend financial assistance during his recovery. Eleazar also said that he would respect the decision of Maritinito if he would take legal action over the incident.

All PNP personnel involved, according to Eleazar, will be placed under restrictive custody while the investigation is being conducted, and will undergo disciplinary measures.

Cuenca was released from the precinct early Sunday morning. – Rappler.com