Intoxicated man chokes policeman, eludes arrest

CEBU - A man is now facing charges of direct assault and public disturbance for allegedly choking a policeman who tried to pacify him during an altercation with a policewoman at a benefit dance in relation to the fiesta celebration of Argao Monday night.

Elements of Argao Police Station are filing charges against Eduardo Abier, 23. Abier, however, was able to elude arrest with the help of his relatives.

Reports said that at around 11 p.m., the drunken Abier had a heated altercation with PO1 Eva Caminade who was assigned at the gate of the benefit dance area at the Diosdado Macapagal Sports Complex in Poblacion, Argao.

Minutes later, PO1 Romeo Alkuino responded to the area but as soon as he approached the suspect, the latter allegedly collared and choked the police officer.

This prompted PO1 Gerlito Estrimas to handcuff Abier but after he was handcuffed, the suspect speedily ran away from them.

The police officers ran after the suspect but were barred by a group of young men who are allegedly gang members.

The youngsters were allegedly mad at municipal administrator Elly Sarmayo for disallowing them to join the benefit dance because they were allegedly bringing with them liquors.

SPO2 Reynaldo Rubia who was not far from the area of incident said he went to the suspect’s residence but he was immediately approached by the latter’s father and mother who allegedly were both enraged.

Moments later, Argao councilor Guillermo Caminero who happened to pass by the area allegedly helped in negotiating with the family of Abier.

But while Rubia talked with Caminero, two policemen have already removed the handcuff from Abier. As soon as the handcuff was removed, the suspect was allegedly grabbed by his relatives towards the house and immediately locked the gate.

The policemen were assigned at the area of incident as part of the augmentation force to maintain peace and order in relation to the town’s fiesta. – Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/WAB  (THE FREEMAN)