2 Naga cops face relief for public display of affection

CEBU, Philippines -  A male and a female policemen of the Naga Police Station will be relieved separately to different stations in the province after they were allegedly caught doing an inappropriate display of affection inside the police station.

Mary Ann Lapiz who claimed she caught PO3 Romeo Bolaño and PO2 Maricor Aliganga has sent a letter to Police Regional Office Director Ager Ontog about the matter.

Lapiz claimed that in the morning of April 4, she went to the police station to visit her relative, Fortunato Lapiz, a rape suspect, when she saw Bolaño in uniform hugging Aliganga from behind while sitting on a computer table.

But Bolaño has expressly denied the accusation against him. He said he was already off duty at 11:00 in the morning that day.

Aliganga also categorically denied the allegation, saying that this is only a figment of Lapiz’s imagination and that she has no evidence.

She added that Lapiz does not have factual or legal basis.

The FREEMAN tried to get a statement from Lapiz through her mobile phone, but she could not be reached.

Inspector Julius Ompad, legal counsel of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, said an investigation will be made against the policemen even if they are relieved.

“Public office man gud na, this serves as precautionary measure for them,” Ompad said.

Ompad has encouraged Lapiz to appear in their office and have her complaint duly subscribed and notarized for formality.

The letter of Lapiz could not be considered as a real complaint as long as it is not notarized as stated under the Napolcom Memorandum Circular 2007-001.

The Human Resource Department of the CPPO is now looking for a police station where both policemen could possibly be assigned.

Ompad will also investigate reports he received that Bolaño has been harassing Lapiz in her residence.

The Regional Investigation and Detective Management Branch is now tracing Lapiz for further investigation of the incident. (FREEMAN)