Communication Management Office, News, PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines Administration conducted an investigation regarding allegations that a janitor was mauled inside the A. Mabini Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila late last month.
The Safety and Security Services (SSS) unit under the Office of the Vice President for Administration (OVPA) released on March 4 an initial incident report regarding the issue which reportedly occurred after visiting players from two private schools lost their mobile phones while playing inside the PUP Gymnasium on February 26, 2015.
According to the report signed by SSS Chief Prof. Valentin P. Espina and retired Lt. Afrodicio M. Fernandez of Urduja Security Services, Inc. (USSI), players from the University of the East (UE), First Asia Institute of Humanities (FAITH)-Batangas and PUP were playing a tune-up basketball game when they saw janitor Michael Testa roaming around the benches where the players placed their bags which contained their gadgets and other personal belongings.
After the game, the players went to the benches and they found out that their gadgets were missing. The players immediately talked to the guard to find the janitor whom they wanted to talk to personally to ask if he saw the students’ belongings.
The guard saw VP for Branches and Campuses Dr. Joseph Mercado and informed him about what happened. The latter instructed the guard to find Testa.
Testa arrived and shouted at Mercado, cursed him and positioned to hit the latter. Mercado then asked Jennifer, wife of Michael who was also at the scene, to talk to Michael, but Testa ran towards the Mabini Shrine. He was followed by the varsity players, but Mercado instructed the players and the guards, “Huwag niyong sasaktan! Wala kayong sasaktan!”.
Testa claimed he was beaten by the varsity players. He also accidentally rolled and stumbled resulting to the wounds on his head.
PUP President Emanuel De Guzman, Vice President for Administration Alberto C. Guillo, and Community Relations on Extension Development Office Director Roseller Luciano called the attention of Jennifer Testa, wife of Michael, days after the incident, to clarify if Mercado really reminded the players and guards not to put harm on Michael.
During the meeting, Jennifer admitted that Michael shouted at Mercado and cursed him. Jennifer also apologized for his husband’s demeanor.
Based on the initial incident report, the PUP administration remains firm on its stand that it was not biased towards anyone; hence, it initiated an investigation to find the truth behind the incident. The administration also maintains that it is doing everything it can to uphold the values of the University.
The PUP Administration, together with the whole PUP Community, is united in maintaining the safety of the students, faculty members and staff of the University.
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