Cop goes amok after neighbor refused to drink with him

CEBU, Philippines - A heavily drunk police officer went amok in Barangay Talamban yesterday dawn after his neighbor, whom he invited to have a drink, refused.

PO2 Samuel Montuerto of the Police Regional Office–7 allegedly harassed Robert “Cocoy” Layola, 30, after he refused the police officer’s request to drink with them.

According to the victim’s mother, Emily, Montuerto was having a drinking session with other neighbors late night of July 4.

Because it was about to rain, Emily said his son only accompanied two family friends to their homes on his motorcycle at around 11 p.m.

When Montuerto caught sight of the victim passing in front of them, the drunken police officer asked the victim to stop and drink with them.

Robert however refused saying he still needs to drive their guests to their homes and told Montuerto that he will just return later.

The police officer however was not pleased with his answer and went violent, forcing the victim to drink. The struggle between the two caused Robert’s motorcycle to fall on its side.

Montuerto’s drinking buddies tried to pacify the police officer but he insisted and continued harassing the victim.

Emily, together with other neighbors rushed to stop Montuerto. When the victim finally was released from the policeman’s grip, the mother shouted at his son to run away. The victim, out of fear, retreated in a relative’s house in Barangay Pit-os after the incident.

At 2 a.m., Montuerto allegedly suddenly appeared outside the victim’s residence.

Emily reckoned that they were already asleep when Montuerto started shouting outside their house looking for Robert and then fired three gunshots in the air while asking the victim to come out.

The entire family was terrified as they scrambled for cover as Montuerto continued in his barrage.

Emily quoted Montuerto shouting, “Ayaw pakita nako… di taka paabton og duha ka adlaw.”

But yesterday, Montuerto reportedly visited the victim’s residence and apologized to the entire family for his actions.

According to Joan Castillo, elder sister of Robert, Montuerto told them he was just very drunk during the time, adding that he can not remember most of what have happened.

Talamban Police Station referred the case to the Cebu City Internal Affairs Service.

The victim’s family is still weighing if they will file a complaint against Montuerto or settle it amicably. — (FREEMAN)