Patrol cops charged for not returning car

CEBU, Philippines - Six personnel of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit-7 are now facing charges before the court for allegedly confiscating a sports utility vehicle without any court order.

William Chavez, assisted by lawyer Enrique Lacerna, said that sometime in January 2013, he bought a Hummer Wagon Model 2006.

Before he bought the vehicle, the plaintiff said the vehicle was subjected to investigation and it was reliably found out that it is not a stolen vehicle or is involved in any crime.

However, on Jan. 28, 2013 at about 10:30 p.m. while the vehicle was parked along Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City, near his workplace, he said it was seized by the defendants without any court order.

He said the vehicle was brought to Camp Sotero Cabahug, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City, for impounding and for verification without his consent.

He said the vehicle was subject to macro-etching examination by the PNP Crime Laboratory Office and found out that the motor numbers were not tampered with.

He said he requested for the result but the said office failed to furnish him.

“The plaintiff is entitled to the immediate return of the vehicle as individual’s right to property against unlawful deprivation without due process of law is guaranteed by our law,” the complaint read.

Because of that, he said he suffered injury. He asked for P20,000 for moral damages; P20,000 for compensatory damages; P20,000 for exemplary damages; P20,000 for attorney’s fees and litigation expenses.

“Defendants did not act in good faith in the exercise of their official functions resulting in actual damage to plaintiff, not only of the value of the loss suffered but also potential profits, loss of opportunities, among others,” the complaint further read.

The named defendants were Senior Supt. Romulo Iglesia and Senior Insp. Lerion, SPO1 Celo, SPO1 Dacoylo, PO1 Pacani, PO1 Suico whose first names were not mentioned.

They are set to answer the allegations. —/BRP (FREEMAN)