"Troublesome" CPPO policeman reassigned

CEBU, Philippines - A Minglanilla policeman has been reassigned to the Tuburan Police Station after getting into trouble again.

Complainant Prescilia Caballero, 51, of barangay Poblacion Ward I, said she and her daughter Maribel were at the Minglanilla Police Station around 7 p.m. last January 29 when police PO3 Joseph Glen Burlas threatened them.

“Kamo makigkontra mo nako? Sisiw ra kaayo mo! Ayaw mo pagtuga-tuga, bisan asa pa ta magkita, anad nako anang bisan asa pa ko ilabay. Duha ra mo ka bala,” Prescilia quoted Burlas as saying.

Earlier, Maribel and a certain Marilyn Abella got into a fight and Prescilia and Maribel went to the police station to report the incident. Burlas was said to be close to Abella. 

The following day Maribel said she went to the police station to file a complaint against Burlas and Burlas threw an empty bottle of mineral water at her after they had an argument.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Sr. Supt. Carmelo Valmoria said he already assigned Burlas to the Tuburan Police Station but still ordered the chief of police in Minglanilla to conduct his own investigation into the case.

The victim is eager to pursue a criminal complaint while the CPPO may file an administrative case.

Last year Burlas also allegedly threatened two tricycle drivers with a gun after attending a Mass at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in the said town.

One of them, Allan Caballero, said he was parking his tricycle at the church’s parking area when a backing car hit his tricycle. He said even as he backed, Burlas, who was driving the car, hit him again.

The tricycle driver, who is not related to Prescilia and Maribel Caballero, said he pounded on the car to get Burlas’ attention.

Burlas allegedly left the car and pointed a .45 cal. pistol at him and another tricycle driver, Richard Mantalaba, who just happened to be there.

“Kinsa may isug ninyo?” Allan quoted Burlas as saying. Allan also said Burlas slapped him in the left cheek.

Burlas admitted slapping Caballero but denied he pointed a gun at any of the drivers. — Christopher Gabriel Bonjoc/BRP   (THE FREEMAN)