Masseur accuses cop of mauling

A 46-year-old masseur has accused a member of the regional police office of mauling him Monday night at the tennis court of the Bureau of Internal Revenue regional office in barangay Luz.

Nestor Gabito, alias Billy, accused SPO2 Recaredo Ortiz of the Regional Intelligence Office of mauling him while he was massaging a client inside the tennis court.

Gabito, who complained of grave threats and physical injuries against Ortiz at the Mabolo Police Station, brought with him yesterday morning a medical certificate as proof of the mauling.

The medical certificate showed that he had contusions in his left cheek, head and upper lips.

Gabito also alleged that Ortiz pointed his firearm at him thrice and threatened to kill him. He said the incident took place after the policeman turned his ire on him while he and other tennis players were sharing jokes.

The victim also said he personally knew Ortiz because the policeman would always hire him whenever he needs a massage.

However, Ortiz denied Gabito's allegation and said that the masseur is his friend. Ortiz even said that before the incident, he called up Gabito for a massage at the tennis court.

Ortiz said after the massage, he even paid P200 because Gabito also massaged his fellow policeman, SPO4 Elwin Wenceslao, after their tennis game.

The policeman said when he asked permission to go ahead of them, Gabito shouted at him.

"Nananghid ko nga mouna og uli, unya misiyagit diay daw na si Billy nga mouli na daw ko kay molangoy na sad ko sa swimming pool nga way tubig. Busa miingon akong kauban nga hala Ric gibinuangan ka ay. Ako siyang gibalik unya mibawos ko og binuang dala hinay'g hapak sa akong t-shirt nga ayaw ko og iapil sa imong binuang Bil. Mao ra gud to unya mabun-og na diay siya ana," Ortiz said.

Ortiz said Gabito might have misinterpreted his actuations, adding that he received a text message from Gabito asking why he got mad at him.

"Ako ra man gani to siyang gibawsan nga wa man ko masuko nimo, ayaw lang ko iapil sa imong mga binuang kay amigo ta," Ortiz said.

Ortiz said he is willing to face the complaint. - Flor Z. Perolina/LPM