Policeman who hit farmer in the head loses post

CEBU, Philippines - The policeman who was accused of hitting a farmer’s head with a police blotter was relieved of his post and is now with the provincial headquarters while the investigation is ongoing.

PO1 Ricky Pelonio of the Boljoon Police Station will now be assigned at the Provincial Public Safety Company.

Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, said he already issued an order last Monday for the relief of Pelonio from the Boljoon Police Station.

 Comendador said the order was effective last Tuesday. Pelonio, however, has until next week to appear at the headquarters.

Comendador said the purpose of the relief is to prevent Pelonio from possibly harassing the complainant, 50-year-old Luceno Amancio.

Amancio, of Barangay Molobolo, Boljoon, complained before the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch two weeks ago that Pelonio hit him in the head with a police blotter.

He was arrested for allegedly capturing native birds locally known as “Punay” and “Alimukon” in Barangay El Pardo which is a violation of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Also accused of threatening the farmer was SPO2 Rogelio Fernandez but it was only Pelonio who he said hit him.

Insp. Julius Ompad, deputy chief of the PIDMB, told The FREEMAN he still has to make an evaluation of the incident based on the affidavit of Amancio.

 “We will have to discipline Pelonio,” Ompad said.

 A recommendation from Ompad will then be sent to the Police Regional Office-7 for the summary hearing of the case.

 The PIDMB will also determine if Insp. Rico Emperwa, Boljoon police chief, has liability as station commander. — (FREEMAN)