Formal complaint vs cop who ‘punched’ motorist

CEBU, Philippines - The 19-year-old man who accused a policeman of punching him last Monday has formalized his complaint before the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of the Police Regional Office – 7.

Julito Wahing of Barangay Babag 2 has accused PO1 Teodoro Pebida, 31, a Public Safety Police Officer of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, of punching him three times in the head and once in his back.

Wahing said he was coming from his girlfriend’s house at that time when Pebida reportedly directed him to stop his motorcycle and punched him allegedly because his headlight was too bright that it hurt the cop’s eyes.

Wahing said he immediately told his mother about the incident and reported the same to the police station.

Pebida was reportedly not wearing his uniform and was not wearing a shirt at the time of the incident. He was also absent from work at that time but did not file a formal leave of absence. Wahing knew Pebida since he is a friend of his uncle, Rey Lyndon Lawas, the former chief of the Lapu-Lapu City Police. Lawas currently heads the RIDMD-7.

SPO2 Evelyn Lige, investigator in the case, said investigation into the incident is ongoing. To support his claim, Wahing’s girlfriend also executed an affidavit for having witnessed the incident. Wahing also presented his medical certificate after undergoing x-ray examination.

Wahing said it would be hard to forgive Pebida and that he wants the cop to be dismissed from service. He said the incident has traumatized him.

“Mahadlok nako moatubang niya ug makakita niya,” Wahing said.

According to Lige, Pebida will undergo a pre-charge evaluation if the investigating team will find probable cause. A summary hearing may be recommended after.

Aside from criminal charges of slight physical injuries and malicious mischief, Pebida will also be charged administratively for grave misconduct.

If found guilty of the charges, Pebida may be suspended for six months or, worse, may be dismissed from service. He is currently detained at the Gun-ob Police Station. (FREEMAN)