Cop accused of mauling minors relieved

CEBU, Philippines - City Police Director Patrocinio Comendador has ordered the relief of a police official assigned at the Talamban Police Station who was accused of mauling two minors last Sunday.

Comendador said Insp. Gerardo Fiel, shift officer of the Talamban Police, has been reassigned to the administrative control office of CCPO effective yesterday. Fiel was undergoing the Field Training Program when the incident happened.

Comendador said he pulled Fiel out of the Talamban Police Station to prevent him from harassing the complainants. He reportedly learned of the allegations from Sr. Insp. Ranulfo Espina, chief of the Talamban police.

Comendador said the administrative aspect of the complaint against Fiel will be investigated by the People’s Law Enforcement Board. He encouraged the complainants to coordinate with CCPO should they intend to file criminal charges against Fiel.

Early this week, the two 17-year-old complainants, sought the help of Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna after Fiel allegedly mauled them after they were accused of stealing scrap iron last Sunday afternoon. One of the complainants is a resident of Mandaue City.

The two went to barangay Pit-os past midday last Sunday to buy scrap iron but they reportedly did not know that the two pieces they bought were actually stolen.

After they paid P160 for the scrap iron, one of the bystanders reportedly shouted and accused them of stealing the scrap iron. They were subsequently turned over to the Talamban Police Station around 1 p.m.

When Fiel arrived hours later and learned of the incident, he reportedly ordered them to kneel on a bench and beat them using a broomstick. He also allegedly punched one boy on the face and slapped the other. — Niña G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)