Cop accused of mauling detainee

CEBU, Philippines - Two policemen are now in trouble after one of them allegedly mauled and the other made fun of a detainee of the Sogod Police Station last Sunday.

Gani Montecalvo, 39, of Barangay Tabunok, went to the National Police Commission yesterday afternoon and informed the office of the alleged maltreatment he suffered at the hands of the other prisoners and a policeman while in jail.

He was also allegedly mauled by a policeman before he was arrested for drunkenness last Saturday evening.

Montecalvo also said the hair on the head, both armpits, as well as pubic region was shaved off by six prisoners Sunday morning in the presence of a policeman whom he failed to identify. He said he will file appropriate charges against the policemen involved.

Montecalvo was arrested for drunkenness last Saturday evening after he got unruly. The call was made by his father Baudencio Montecalvo who wanted him taken to the police station for safekeeping.

Inspector Aldrin Villacampa, Sogod police chief, said when the policemen came, Montecalvo was no longer around which prompted the policemen to look for him.

Not far from the place, police found Montecalvo allegedly armed with a screwdriver. Policemen asked for the screwdriver but Montecalvo refused to hand it over.

One of the policemen reportedly mauled Montecalvo causing him injuries in different parts of his body. The victim was taken to the Juan Dosado Memorial Hospital.

Villacampa said that since there was a power outage at the time, the hospital could not conduct a liquor test on Montecalvo and the police took him to the police station.

It was around 6 a.m. when the prisoners decided to shave Montecalvo using a razor. Villacampa was not around since Saturday afternoon and was just informed of the incident last Sunday morning.

Upon knowing of the incident, Villacampa questioned the prisoners and they admitted the deed.

“Prisoners said it was their house rule nga kung naay masulod bag-o upa-wan hasta pubic hair pero akong gi-warningan kay sayop na with regard sa allegation nga gikulata siya (Montecalvo) wa na ko kahibawo ana,” he said.

But Montecalvo questioned if shaving detainees is allowed inside the police station and why the policemen tolerate it.

“Niingon pa ang pulis nga kamo na’y bahala ana diha kay maldito na iyang gibun-og iyang papa,” Montecalvo said in a phone interview. Baudencio was not beaten up by his son.

Montecalvo added he has a medical certificate to prove that he was mauled inside the jail.

“Gikataw-an pa ko nila kay inigkuha kuno sa akong ginikanan opaw na ko,” he said.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador ordered Villacampa to investigate the complaint and file appropriate charges if the policemen involved are found liable.     - THE FREEMAN