Cops say tracker mauled inmate

CEBU, Philippines - A former member of the military has been identified by his fellow police volunteers, or police trackers, to have viciously mauled and killed a detainee at the Fuente Police Station last week.

Based on affidavits submitted by the two trackers, Investigation and Detective Management Branch chief, Insp. Bonifacio Garciano revealed that a certain Pedro Tiañar Jr. mauled Joven Tejano.

Police declined to name the two pending further investigation.

Garciano said, Tiañar, a tae kwon do instructor, allegedly kicked Tejano repeatedly in the chest while they were inside a room at the Fuente Police Station. 

“Napalabian gyud to ang iyang pagpatid-patid,” Garciano said

Adding to the trained kick, Tiañar allegedly wore boots which might have increased the damage to victim. Tiañar may face a murder case for what happened.

Tiañar and his group allegedly questioned Tejano about a robbery case in which he was the alleged perpetrator.

“Ilang gipatug-an kun asa ang iyang mga kinawat, ug ilang gikulata.. sa pagdakop ilang gi-kulata unya pahuway na sad unya kulata na sad,” said Garciano.

The two trackers claimed that they did not join in the mauling.

Tiañar’s fellow trackers have been trying to reach him since the death of Tejano, but he can no longer be reached or located. They suspect he is on the run.

The IDMB is also wondering who placed Tejano inside the Fuente detention cell without checking his physical disposition.

According to Garciano, the Fuente policemen who were on duty between 4 p.m. to midnight denied any involvement with either Tejano’s detention in the station and his death.

“Wala gyuy mi-ang-kon kun kinsa’y nagpasulod sa detention cell,” said Garciano. 

Tejano died in a holding cell of the Fuente last Friday. Four Fuente policemen including station chief, Chief Insp. Michael Anthony Bastes, were relieved following the death. (FREEMAN)