Cop who "threatened" councilman probed

CEBU, Philippines - Provincial Police Director Patrocinio Comendador has directed the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch to look into a complaint of a barangay councilor against the deputy chief of Toledo City Police.

Bato barangay councilman Rosalio Cereño, 50, had accused Police Insp. Rogelio Amoroso Jr. of grave threats but Comendador said he has not received a formal complaint just yet.

Amoroso and Cereño reportedly argued over their fighting cocks last Saturday at a cockpit in Barangay Bato, Toledo City. Cereño claimed Amoroso had threatened him saying, “Pagbantay ka nako kay birahan tika.”

Cereño then reported the incident to the police station.

Policemen are not supposed to be hanging out in places such as cockpits, but Amoroso and a certain PO2 Edwin Carbonquillo reportedly entered the Bato Cockers Arena while under the influence of liquor. Amoroso reportedly insisted of scheduling his cock for a fight even if it was not yet his turn. Cereño, who explained that the scheduling was on a first come, first serve basis, got Amoroso’s ire with the latter allegedly saying, “Bisan kinsa pa mo dili ko moila ninyo.”

To avoid further argument, Cereño decided to leave the arena and got inside his vehicle but when he was about to start the engine, Amoroso reportedly followed him, opened his car door, and held the firearm tucked in his waist.

Comendador learned that Amoroso’s team has been conducting operations against illegal gambling specifically ‘masiao’ and arrested some financers.

“Kusog ang illegal gambling kaning masiao diha but mura’g dunay nasakitan kay dunay nadakpan nga financer,” Comendador said.Comendador encouraged Cereño to execute on affidavit to formalize his complaint so a formal investigation can be opened.

Comendador said policemen who are found having committed lapses in their work will be subjected to disciplinary action, but he will reportedly stand by his men if they are the ones aggrieved for the personal benefit of others.   - (THE FREEMAN)