Policeman relieved for threatening kids

CEBU, Philippines - Another police from Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) was relieved from his post yesterday after he allegedly threatened a group of minors with his gun inside a videoke bar along A. Soriano Street at the North Reclamation Area last Sunday night.

SPO1 Adonis Burgos who was previously assigned at the San Nicolas Police Station allegedly cocked his 9mm gun in front of the minors. City Police Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe ordered his relief yesterday afternoon.

Jeanette Montellano, 39, a street vendor, told The FREEMAN that her two children, an 11-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were watching a friend singing at the videoke bar around 8pm when Burgos reportedly got irked.

“Kinahangalan paghuman nimon’g kanta gawas na diha (once you’re done singing, you get out of there),” Montellano quoted Burgos as saying. Later, Burgos again reprimanded the kids and ordered them to leave the place.

“Di ka mo gawas?” Burgos asked one of the minors, pulled out his gun, and cocked it under the table.

Terrified by what they saw, the two minors rushed out of the videoke bar and went straight to the Mabolo Police Station to report the matter.

“Tungod sa ilang ka hadlok midagan dayon akong mga anak sa police station (they ran straight to the police station because of fear),” Montellano said.

Immediately, elements of Mabolo Police Station went to the videoke bar and apprehended Burgos. The policeman did not resist arrest and went with the police peacefully. Responding policemen said Burgos was obviously drunk at that time.

Mabolo Police Station chief Sarah Jane Recla said they released Burgos shortly before dawn yesterday after he reportedly apologized to the family of the victims.

“Wala na namo napasakaan og kaso kay nangayo man siya’g pasaylo,” Recla said. Burgos could have faced charges for violating Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-violence against Women and Children act of 2004.

Montellano, for her part, said they decided to let the incident go on the condition that Burgos would not get back on the children.

“Among hangyo nga di gyud sila (children) hilabtan,” she said.

This, however, did not stop Buenafe from ordering Burgos’ relief, which took effect immediately. Buenafe said the city police office will not tolerate shameful acts that tarnish the image of the police force.

Burgos is assigned temporarily at CCPO while the Investigation Detection and Management Branch (IDMB) looks into his case.  (FREEMAN)