Napolcom to widen probe into “death by punching”

A team led by National Police Commission regional director Bernardo Calibo will conduct an on-site investigation in Ronda town today to check on alleged irregularities committed by certain policemen.

Napolcom-7 spokesman Zandro Ronnie Oriol said they will try to verify the statements of all the policemen in the Ronda police station last July 25 when PO1 Christian Peñafiel allegedly punched 78-year-old Donnie Noel who died four days later.

Peñafiel gave a statement at Calibo’s office last Thursday that he did not punch Noel but accidentally hit him with his hand when he pushed back Noel’s son, Russel back into his seat.

Donnie accompanied Russel to the police station last day to clear his son’s name over an alleged armed person alarm raised earlier.

Peñafiel alleged Russel was too noisy and he entered the station to pacify him when Russel made rude gestures at Insp. Alan Rosario, the officer of the day.

Duty desk officer SPO1 Bertulfo Mansueto and PO1 Benedicto Rubia, who made the entry at the police blotter, also affirmed Peñafiel’s statement that the latter did not hurt Donnie.

Napolcom will verify the statements of the policemen on duty and also hopes to find civilians who may have witnessed the incident or verify that the policeman was drunk inside the police station at the time.

Mansueto and Ronda Police chief Sr. Insp. Milo Dagasadas both said during the initial inquiry at Calibo’s office that drinking is not allowed at the police station and none among the Ronda policemen were drunk that day.

Peñafiel, however, is a member of the Provincial Mobile Group  detailed in the town with members of the Special Reaction Unit.

Another issue to be looked into today is the alleged tampering of entries at the police blotter.

Oriol said they will first meet with the Noels, then Ronda Mayor Esteban Binghay, before proceeding to the police station.

It was Binghay himself who brought the issue to Cebu Provincial Police Office chief Sr. Supt. Carmelo Valmoria the day after Donnie died.

Binghay alleged Peñafiel was often reported seen drinking near the police station.

Peñafiel was relieved from the PMG to the Provincial Service and Security Group.

Napolcom is set to release the result of the investigation this week.

CPPO is also conducting its own investigation into the incident and Valmoria said it is proceeding smoothly.

He added they already have the account of one junior officer without divulging further information on the investigation. 

The NBI-7 said Donnie died of cardiac arrest due to artherosclerosis or the hardening of the arterial wall due to fats.

They also said depression, sadness and other intense feelings may have triggered its occurrence.  — Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP