'Inmate out, policeman in'

CEBU, Philippines - Senior Supt. Jesus Gaquing, director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, confirmed yesterday that the policeman assigned at the Sibonga Police Station who allegedly let out a detainee recently was “not actually drunk but one who had a bit of liquor.”

“(Kaning kahimtanga) mora na noon nig inmate out, policeman in,” Gaquing who tried to emphasize his disgust by pointing out the humor in the situation, on top of the irony, said.

“Dili man gyod ingon nga hubog siya. Nakainom lang,” he also said after he received the report furnished by Inspector Allan Rosario, chief of the Sibonga Police Station.

The report read that PO2 Noel Rodriguez tested positive in a liquor test conducted at the Carcar District Hospital.

The situation may sound funny but Rodriguez seemed to have taken the place of inmate Junry Yamaro inside the station’s detention cell starting last Sunday.

Rodriguez allegedly opened the cell of 28-year-old Yamaro on reason that the detainee was suffering from a nervous breakdown at that time.

But Gaquing countered: “Gasgas na kaayo nang style-la. Kung urgent man gani, kinahanglan sad gyod magpakuyog sa hepe (referring to Insp. Rosario).”

A charge for infidelity in the custody of a prisoner was then filed against Rodriguez. Administrative case will also be filed including charges for drunkenness while on duty.

Yamaro, single, of barangay Bahay in the said town is nowhere to be found.

Elements of the Sibonga Police immediately conducted a pursuit operation after the incident but failed to recapture the escapee.

It was earlier reported that Yamaro is facing a rape case that was docketed in a court in Argao town.

Further, Gaquing said that an administrative case against Rosario for his alleged lapses, being head of the station, will still be referred to the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch. – Gabriel C. Bonjoc/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)