Judge clears cop from mauling rap

A policeman who was accused of beating up a passenger jeepney driver who hit his private vehicle was acquitted by the court after the complainant failed to present a witness to corroborate his allegation.

Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 4 judge Carlos Fernando ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the guilt beyond reasonable doubt of Talisay City policeman SPO1 Glen Burlas who was accused by Antonio Resaba of hitting him on the morning of July 12, 2001.

The policeman’s vehicle was parked beside the street in barangay Bulacao, Cebu City, when it was rear-ended by Resaba’s jeepney.  Resaba said he asked forgiveness from the policeman but the policeman reportedly pointed a gun at him, then punched him and kicked him.

Resaba was able to present a witness to initially prove his claim, but because the said witness failed to appear for the scheduled cross-examination, his statement was stricken from the records.

The policeman managed to present his witness who testified that immediately after Resaba’s jeepney hit Burlas’ vehicle, he saw Resaba getting off the vehicle with his mouth already bloodied.

Burlas denied that he punched Resaba and believes the driver was hurt as a result of the accident.

“Considering that he figured in a vehicular accident a few minutes before accused confronted him, it can not be easily discounted and in fact it is a big possibility that he sustained the injuries from the accident. It is also possible that accused inflicted them out of anger because of what happened to his motor vehicle.  Therefore, doubt is cast on how he actually sustained the injuries,” the court ruled.  —Rene U. Borromeo/BRP