Napolcom clears 3 cops from misconduct raps

CEBU – Three policemen assigned to the Danao police station who allegedly harassed to a suspect to admit to a theft charge were recently exonerated by the National Police Commission for lack of substantial evidence.

In a decision furnished by Napolcom information officer Zandro Oriol, PO3s Orencia Estrera, Wenrie Pilapil and Rey Enriquez, were exonerated from the charges of misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer filed in 2004.

This after complainant Jimbo Arresgado executed an affidavit of desistance in November 2005 saying that the complaint arose purely from misunderstanding between him and the respondents.

In his affidavit, Arresgado said that his witness turned hostile and was no longer interested to testify to support his complaints.

The complainant, during the hearing on the said affidavit, also said he lacked interest because he does not have enough money to pursue the case.

“The submission of complainant of the Affidavit of Desistance is akin to refusal to prosecute the case, it is not encouraged, but is also not prohibited under the rules,” according to the decision.

A case of misconduct greatly depends on the testimonial evidence of the complainant and his witnesses specially if there is no documentary evidence to support the allegations.

The complainant alleged that the police officers mauled him last February 2004 at 10 p.m.

The respondents were all members of the PNP Special Operations Group,

He also alleged then that PO3 Estrera pointed at him forcing him to admit to the crime of theft. — Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP (THE FREEMAN)