For forcibly detaining a woman: Mabolo cop relieved from post

Acting-city director Melvin Gayotin yesterday ordered for the immediate relief of a cop assigned to the Mabolo police station for allegedly forcing a woman into detention last Sunday dawn.

SPO3 Rolly Supatan was ordered relieved from the Mabolo Police and reassigned to the Security and Service Group. He is now under investigation by the City's Internal Affairs Service (IAS).

The incident involved Carmen Rapas, who was held, after she failed to present the registration documents of two motorcycles she reportedly owned.

Rapas reportedly reasoned out that the registration documents of the motorcycles were left at her home and she was still waiting for them to be brought to the police station.

However, Supatan, who was reportedly under the influence of liquor, insisted that she should be detained. When Rapas resisted, Supatan allegedly forced her to get inside the stockade and, in the process, stripping her shirt, which eventually exposed her breasts. A television crew covering the incident was able to capture it on camera.

Rapas sought the help of Cebu City Councilor Augustus Jun Pe last Tuesday, who in turn ordered Gayotin to look into the matter. It was referred to the IAS to avoid speculations of a white wash.

Gayotin said what Supatan did was a conduct unbecoming of a police officer. Other cops who refused to be identified said the act was too much for such a crime. Supatan, the cops said, should have impounded the vehicles, recorded the incident in the blotter and asked Rapas to come back the next day with her - Ryan P. Borinagapapers.