Cop kicks, points gun at neighbor’s son 'over helmet'

CEBU, Philippines - A police officer is in trouble after he allegedly kicked his neighbor’s 37-year-old son and then pointed a gun at him purportedly over motorcycle helmet last week in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-lapu City.

Police Officer 1 Genor Regencia, who is assigned at the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office’s Task Force Kalikasan, is now under investigation following the complaint filed by Ramir Moreno, 37, against him.

Moreno, who resides in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City, said the incident happened last Thursday while he was at his parents’ residence in Barangay Pajo. He was allegedly there with his daughter to ask help from his mother as he and his wife had a fight.

The house of Moreno’s parents is situated beside Regencia’s.

At around 8 a.m. on Thursday, Moreno said he was about to enter the gate to his parents’ house after buying coffee outside when Regencia allegedly followed him and suddenly kicked his leg.

When he asked the police officer what the problem was, the latter allegedly pulled out a gun from the waist and pointed it at him.

“Wa g’yud ko nakahibawo unsa akong gibuhat. Gidiritso ra g’yud ko og sikad lagi, unya iya kong gitionan,” said Moreno, adding that he shouted for help from his mother Vicitacion Cabaluna.

Cabaluna, who was at the terrace at that time, said she looked at the gate after hearing her son’s shout and saw Regencia pointed his gun at her son.

She, too, shouted and asked the police officer what was her son’s fault.

Regencia allegedly did not say anything and just went onboard his motorcycle. However, she said without a minute, Regencia went back and warned Moreno that he will have his house raided, then totally left.

“Pagbantay kay planteran tika og shabu. Ipa-raid ko na inyong balay,” said Cabaluna, quiting Regencia.

Cabaluna said she then found out from Regencia’s wife that the policeman suspected Moreno of stealing his helmet.

According to Cabaluna, they already had a confrontation at Gun-ob Police Station where Regencia allegedly apologized to them. However, she said they are still suing the police officer.

“Di g’yud ko makapasaylo kay ikiha g’yud nako,” she said.

LCPO acting director Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc urged Moreno to submit his complaint to their office.

“(Allegedly) nani-on ang usa ka polis nato ug namatid pa. That will be investigated. Ang ato lang hangyo sa complainant nga officially submit his complaint para ma-imbestigaran nato ang detalye,” Radoc told reporters.

The acting police chief guaranteed that Regencia will face sanctions once it is proven that he indeed kicked and aimed a gun at the complainant.

“We will be imposing penalty. Wala g’yud ta maanad nga mocover-up ta sa mga sakop. We want to correct those people who commit errors sa ilahang trabaho,” Radoc said.

Regencia was not around at the LCPO headquarters, but he will be asked to appear for the investigation, said Radoc.

“There will be a separate criminal complaint and a separate administrative complaint. As to the penalty, depende kung unsa’y findings. Due process will always be strictly observed. Paminawon nato ang side sa complainant ug side sa police nga iyahang gireklamuhan,” the acting police director stressed. — (FREEMAN)