Minglanilla cop faces grave threats charge

CEBU, Philippines – A charge of grave threats is set to be filed against a policeman assigned at the Minglanilla Police Station for allegedly threatening a woman and her daughter inside the police station last January 29.

Priscilla Caballero and her daughter Maribel are filing the charge against PO3 Gleen Burlas before the Provincial Proecutor’s Office.

The trouble allegedly started when Municipal Trial Court in Cebu City interpreter Marilyn Avila filed a case of physical abuse against jailguard Manolito Villordon, who is alleged to be boyfriend of Maribel.

Reports said that on January 29, the Caballeros, Avila and Villordon allegedly figured in a trouble that happened inside Minglanilla Elementary School oval that brought them to the police station. 

In her affidavit, Priscilla said that while they were at the police station to report the encounter, Burlas, who was in civilian attire, arrived and without any provocation, suddenly pointed a finger at her and her daughter and told them in vernacular, “Kamo, makigkontra mo nako? Sisiw ramo! Ayaw mo’g patuga-tuga, bisag asa pa ta magkita, anad nako bisag asa pa labay. Duha ra mo ka bala.”

According to the Caballeros, the police officer is an acquaintance of Avila.

The complainants also said that on the following day when they came back to the police station for the transmittal of the complaint of Avila, Burlas again approached them and asked, “O asa naman nang inyong gisaligan? pagawsa!” to which the younger Caballero answered, “Wala man mi gisaligan.”

However, Burlas allegedly got irked and retorted, “Ayaw pagtubag-tubag kay basin ihu’g tika sa bintana” while allegedly pointing a finger at Maribel. Then he allegedly got hold of a bottle of mineral water hurled it against the complainants.

The Caballeros said the incident caught the attention of the chief of police of Minglanilla who admonished Burlas for his act.

The Caballeros are not afraid and said they are determined to pursue the case against the police officer. — Jasmin R. Uy/WAB (THE FREEMAN)