Woman vs 4 cops

A woman in Caloocan City filed charges of grave abuse of authority yesterday against four members of the District Police Intelligence Unit with the People’s Law Enforcement Board.

Leticia Piamonte, 32, accused SPO4 Rodrigo Torio, PO3s Lito Lagmay and Conrado Punzalan and PO2 Noel Lagmay illegally searched her house after she was mistaken for a kabo or a bet collector for an illegal lottery.

She claimed they took some P60,000 in cash — her capital for her dried fish business — and a fighting cock’s gaff or tari worth about P5,000.

An initial hearing on the case has been set for Dec. 15.

Piamonte said the officers have earlier sent feelers to settle the case but she is determined to pursue the case until justice is served.

"I am not going to be intimidated," she said, adding that cases against corrupt policemen often get dismissed because complainants allow themselves to be cowed.

Piamonte said more ordinary citizens would be victimized by rogue cops if they are intimidated from making complaints.