Man claims cop sideswept him

CEBU, Philippines - A Cordova policeman is now under investigation after he reportedly sideswept a man along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion while on his way to the police station last Wednesday evening.

PO2 Charlie Jao Valmoria, accompanied by PO2 Manfred Maarat, was on his way to the police station from responding to an illegal gambling incident in Barangay Ibabao when the incident happened.

The Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch will also conduct an investigation into claims that Valmoria was driving the mobile patrol vehicle while under the influence of liquor.

Valmoria was also allegedly off-duty when he was driving the mobile patrol Toyota Hi-Lux with license plate number SJG-873.

Valmoria, detailed as a traffic beat enforcer in Cordova, allegedly sideswiped Berlin Bota, 23, a stay-in worker in Barangay Dapitan.

Bota was walking on the roadside when he was hit by the right side mirror of the patrol car driven by Valmoria.

Bota, who only sustained bruises, was taken to the Mactan Doctor’s Hospital in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

But Valmoria said he was not drunk when the incident happened and were on their way to respond to the said illegal gambling report.

“Dili ko hubog, dili pud grabe ang na-igo sa sakyanan,” he said, adding that he shouldered all the medical expenses of the victim.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador questioned the validity of the report that Valmoria was drunk.

Comendador said as a standard operating procedure of the police Valmoria should have been subjected to a liquor test right after the incident.

Cordova police chief Senior Insp. Noli Sernio will also be included in the investigation after he failed to report the incident immediately after it happened.

But Sernio said he was on leave during the incident and it was Insp. Jonas Tahanlangit, his deputy, in charge of the office.

“Nakainom lang kuno og gamay pero tungod sa dali-dali wala na mapa-liquor test nila,” Sernio said.

If proven liable, Valmoria will be charged with simple irregularity in the performance of duty. (FREEMAN)