2 rookie cops in hot water

CEBU, Philippines - Two rookie police officers are likely to face criminal and administrative investigations after they were accused of trespassing and pointing guns at their neighbors Monday night in Sitio Bugnay II, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City.

PO1 Josephus Magdalera, assigned at the 3rd Company of the Regional Public Safety Battalion, and his sister PO1 Jane Ann Magdalera, on Field Training Program assigned at the San Nicolas Police Station, were accused by sisters Gladys and Claire Allasaba of pointing guns at them.

The incident allegedly started in a simple misunderstanding between Jane and Gladys when the policewoman reportedly kicked a pail containing the complainant's laundry.

Jane, however, denied kicking the pail, saying she only transferred it since it was blocking the way. It was Gladys who allegedly hit her which started the commotion.

Jane asked for backup from her brother, Josephus, escalating the tension even more. In fact, the incident prompted Chief Inspector Aileen Recla, chief of the Investigation and Detection Management Bureau of the Cebu City Police Office, to respond.

Recla brought the two police officers to Punta Princesa Police Station along with the Allasaba sisters. The police officers were asked to turnover their firearms, Glock 17 and .45 caliber pistol, for safekeeping.

The Glock 17 was issued by the Philippine National Police to Josephus while his sister failed to present license for her firearm which could make her liable for illegal possession.

Both camps traded accusations of provoking each other. The Allasabas said it was Jane who started it and later called her brother to join the fray. The sisters said the Magdaleras barged into their house and pointed their guns at them.

The two police officers, however, denied the allegations. Josephus said he only came over to pacify but he saw his sister allegedly having injury after she was hit by one of the complainants, prompting him to invite them to the police station.

But the Allasabas allegedly protested and asked if he has a warrant to bring them to the police station.

"Wala gyud mi misulod sa balay…nigawas si Gladys nganung dakpon, naa ba daw warrant, si Gladys nag-wild, gihampak akong manghod," Josephus said.

The RPSB-7 is set to conduct an investigation against Josephus. The Allasabas intend to file a formal complaint against the two police officers before the National Police Commission or before the Office of the Ombudsman. — (FREEMAN)