Cops may face grave misconduct

CEBU, Philippines - A case for grave misconduct will be filed against the two Naga policemen if investigation results would show that they indeed mauled a security guard and took his P16,000 cash.

The two policemen are facing a possible dismissal from the service.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador said they are still getting the affidavits of the complainant and the counter-affidavit of the policemen before they conduct the pre-charge investigation.

Jesus Gealon had accused PO2 Rommel Patalinghug and PO1 Orland Condes of mauling him and taking away his cash.

The 48-year-old Gealon of Ward 4, Minglanilla and a guard under L&J Security Agency, lost his two teeth.

He claimed that last Sunday dawn he was repeatedly mauled by the policemen who suspected him of releasing a female detainee at the Naga Police Station.

He said he only went to the police station to report an unidentified person who tried to grab his service firearm while he was guarding a beach resort beside the station.

The two policemen arrived with a handcuffed female detainee, who went to the comfort room, while he was waiting for the desk officer. Minutes later, the detainee went out of the rest room and left the station.

The two accused him of releasing the woman. They then allegedly mauled him and took his cash.

Comendador said both policemen denied the allegations during their conversation. It could be possible that the money was lost during their scuffle, he said.

The Provincial Investigation Detection and Management Branch is investigating whether the two is liable for abuse of authority.

“Both must be investigated. We don’t want policemen pud nga mabutang-butangan og sala,” the police official said. (FREEMAN)