Cop to face raps for having affair

CEBU, Philippines -Three possible charges are being eyed against a policeman who was reportedly caught by his wife having an affair with another woman and allegedly using illegal drugs.

Violation of Republic Act 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004 was already filed yesterday at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office while an administrative case for grave misconduct will be filed at the Police Regional Office-7 today.

The Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch will also be filing charges of violation of Section 15 of RA 9165 or violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2003 if Banogon is proven to have used illegal drugs.

PO3 Elmer Abecia said Banogon was found positive for drug use during the initial screening but they still have to wait for a confirmatory test from the crime laboratory.

PO1 Bernard Banogon, 30, of the Argao Police Station was arrested by policemen of the Sibonga Police Station after his wife caught him with another woman inside their house in Barangay Bahay, Sibonga, last Thursday morning.

Both were sleeping together inside one of the rooms in the house of the couple.

His lover was also arrested and brought to the police station while Banogon was brought to the PNP Crime Laboratory for a drug test the same day.

Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch chief Insp. Lamberto Hibaya, said Banogon violated Rule 21 Section 1 (3) of the National Police Commission Memorandum Circular 2007-001.

“Misconduct of Malfeasance is any wrongful, improper or unlawful conduct motivated by pre-meditated, obstinate or intentional purpose.It usually refers to transgression of some established and definite rule of action, where no discretion is left except where necessity may demand; it does not necessarily imply corruption or criminal intention.”

The wife of the policeman told arresting officers that her husband pawned his service M-16 rifle and .45 cal. pistol so he could buy drugs. However, the firearm was already recalled by Argao chief Wilbert Parilla.

Banogon has reportedly been absent without official leave since January.

He and his wife have not been in good terms since last year after she found out he was having an affair and allegedly used illegal drugs regularly. (FREEMAN)