Cop siblings to face investigation

CEBU, Philippines - Two police officers might lose their jobs if proven guilty of pointing their guns at their neighbors on Monday night at Barangay Tisa, Cebu City.

Chief Inspector Aileen Recla, City Investigation and Detection Management Branch chief, has ordered the San Nicolas Police to submit an incident report on why Police Officer 1 Jane Anne Magdalera was bringing a firearm during a commotion on Monday night.

Recla said that under police regulations, field training personnel are not allowed to bring firearms while in the field.

Magdalera and her brother, Police Officer 1 Josephus Magdalera, were accused of barging into the house of their neighbor, Gladys Joy and Mary Clair Allosada, and slapping and pointing a gun at them during a commotion.

She added that as to Josephus, Bohol IDMB will be conducting an investigation against him. He is currently assigned at the 3rd Company of the Regional Public Safety Battalion-7 based in Alicia town, Bohol.

Recla said that the Allosadas are willing to press criminal and administrative charges against the police siblings.

Gladys alleged that Jane barged into her house, grabbed her hair and tried to handcuff her.

Police officers from Punta Police Station responded to the alarm, including Recla whose residence is just nearby.

The Magdaleras argued that they were the ones who were assaulted and even asked for help from the mobile patrol group.

Since no patrol car was available that night, the call was forwarded to Punta Police Station.

Josephus said that the incident allegedly started with a simple misunderstanding between Jane and Gladys when the policewoman reportedly kicked a pail containing the complainant’s laundry early Monday morning.

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 incident was reported to the police and the barangay.

She reportedly got a medical certificate to prove that she was hurt during the incident.

Jane asked for backup from Josephus, escalating the tension even more, prompting Recla to respond.

Recla brought the two police officers to Punta Princesa Police Station along with the Allosada sisters. The police officers were asked to turnover their firearms, a 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 a license for her firearm, which could make her liable for illegal possession.

Jane Anne is still reporting for duty while Josephus filed a leave of absence to pave way for the investigation.  (FREEMAN)