Two cops face raps for mauling, 'torture'

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) have found enough basis to recommend three policemen to be charged administratively after they were accused by two men of mauling and “torture.”  

The respondents are PO3 Atilano Ferrolino, PO1 Alexis Alferez and PO1 Romeo Ramas, of the Punta Princessa Police Station.

Chief Insp. Bonifacio Garciano, IDMB chief, told The FREEMAN it was only yesterday that the three policemen submitted their respected written statements in response to the allegations.

The policemen reportedly arrested the complainants earlier for alleged theft in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City last week.

The house owner who reportedly invited the two victims over, however, attested to the two victim’s innocence.

The three policemen denied the allegations, saying that they were only doing their job following rampant theft cases in the area. 

Garciano, however, said the victim’s Medical Certificate reportedly gave weight to the victim’s allegations which led to IDMB’s recommendation.

The two victims have decided not to press charges against the three policemen during the pre-charge proceeding between two parties.

 “Bisan nagka-settle na sila ug na luwas na sila sa criminal charges, amo gihapon i-padayon ang administrative aspect,” he said.

IDMB will submit their recommendation to Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe. The city police director will endorse IDMB’s recommendation to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 for the conduct of summary proceedings. 

Garciano said PRO-7 will appoint a summary officer to look into the allegations’ merit and decide whether or not the accused are guilty of the charges.

The PRO-7 director, however, can review the summary officer’s division for a possible re-hearing of the case.   

PRO-7 Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. has warned that he will not hesitate to punish any policemen found to be involved or guilty in any form of violence.

Garbo said all policemen should always be on guard in preserving the image of the Philippine National Police by being law abiding citizen.

Such violations, according to him, can lead to the accused transfer to Bohol, Siquijor or to Negros. –Ryan Christopher J. Sorote/JMO  (THE FREEMAN)