CEBU, Philippines – Following the incident Sunday wherein a motorist accused police and members of the Barangay Intelligence Network of shooting and mauling him at checkpoint, members of BIN and the police offices handling them would be made to undergo a seminar to reorient them of their “real tasks”.
Police Regional Office Director Lani-O Nerez said that aside from re-orientation, the seminar would also review the recruitment process for BIN, as well as properly define the tasks of BIN members.
Nerez said the seminar is necessary, considering that BIN is a force multiplier. And because BIN, in effect, is part of the police force, laxity should not have a place during recruitment, Nerez said.
Nerez reminded BIN members that they are only limited to giving information to barangay tanods - the so-called police agents - who would then relay the information to the police.
Nerez said the government also does not issue firearms to BIN members, albeit they are allowed to carry guns provided they have a permit to carry the same.
Meanwhile, City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador said they have not closed the investigation against members of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch regarding last Sunday’s incident.
“Dili pa nato i-close ang investigation until all investigative measures ma-exhaust, until ma-satisfy ang both parties,” Comendador said.
Comendador said that BIN members had asked motorist Ronnel Piañar to identify the ones who allegedly shot and mauled him after he allegedly evaded a checkpoint in barangay Lahug.
Comendador said it is important for Piañar to identify his alleged attackers, although Piañar earlier said he is not interested to press charges against the police and BIN members that allegedly shot and mauled him.
Piañar, however, demanded that IDMB reimburse him with his hospital bills but all personnel of IDMB who were present at the checkpoint must agree to the settlement and sign the settlement papers.
Comendador said yesterday those that accompanied the police were not actually BIN members but were members of the police auxiliary group.
Comendador revealed the current ratio of police per public is one policeman for 1,198 people, a far cry from the standard of 1:500.
Piañar earlier claimed he did not ignore the checkpoint but just did not notice it. He alleged a policeman shot him and hit him on the elbow, which caused him to lose control of his motorcycle, which subsequently rammed into a Honda Civic.
When he fell, BIN members allegedly approached and mauled him. – Niña G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)