Over ‘disciplinary measure’: Six Pasigarbo dancers file complaint vs cop

CEBU, Philippines — Six of nine members of Compostela town’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024 contingent who were allegedly maltreated last Aug. 24 by a police officer who was supposedly tasked to ensure their safety at their billeting quarters have lodged a complaint against the policeman.

The police officer was identified as Police Corporal Ronnie Montejo, 34, of San Francisco town in Camotes Island, Cebu and assigned at Compostela Police Station.

He was among those who joined the Compostela contingent in going to Cebu City for the Pasigarbo, which was held at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) last Sunday, Aug. 25 to help safeguard the members.

Yesterday, August 27, the six—four minors and two adults with ages from 15 to 22— along with their guardians, went to the Guadalupe Police Station to complain against Montejo. They submitted the required documents, such as medical certificates and affidavits, to officially file a complaint against him.

However, as of yesterday, only one complainant underwent inquest at the Prosecutor's office while the remaining five complainants are scheduled today.

Montejo will be facing complaints of physical injury and violation of Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act).

To recall, the day before the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo event, Montejo was detained for allegedly beating up nine members of the Compostela contingent who were preparing for the event.

Prior to the act, the Compostela dance master had reportedly requested help from Montejo to gather the contingent members.

However, there were still dancers who were still showering and props men who were eating, so they were delayed in responding.

When they finally arrived, Montejo allegedly slapped and hit them without giving them a chance to explain themselves.

In particular, the props men, who had just finished eating, were allegedly hit with a piece of wood after being told to extend their arms.

A video provided to The Freeman showed Montejo instructing the props handlers to extend their arms, which he then struck with a piece of wood.

Police Major Miles Damoslog, Guadalupe Police Station chief, said that in addition to the criminal complaint, there is also an administrative complaint against the police officer.

Currently, the Cebu City Police Office Internal Affairs Service is doing an investigation over the administrative complaint.

Damoslog also assured that they are handling all cases the same way, regardless of whether the person involved is a civilian or a police officer.

“Wala naman tayong pinipili dito eh. Its either civilian or police, the same process din naman ang gagawin natin diyan. Wala tayong kinikilingan, or equally fair lang tayo sa investigation natin,” he said.

It was learned, though, that getting a few members of the contingents to cooperate was difficult, which likely caused Montejo to loss his cool.

It was also the reason that Montejo’s assistance was requested to help organize the students. There were children who were allegedly stubborn, which was why Montejo resorted to the “disciplinary measure”.

“Base sa kanya (Montejo), tapos na-base din sa ininterview din namin na organizers doon sa Guadalupe Elementary School, sabi nang organizers doon, mahirap daw pasunorin yung mga bata,” said Damoslog.

“So ayun, nag-seek sila nang assistant sa mga police para tulungan sila ipa-form yung mga bata. Tapos accordingly, sabi ng pulis (Montejo) natin na matitigas daw talaga yung ulo ng mga bata kaya niya nagawa yun,” he added.

Meanwhile, a sister of one of the students who was reportedly hit by Montejo stated that they will not amicable settle with the policeman.

“Gamay kaayo na akong manghod unya sayun sayunon ra og dapat,” she said. RHM (CEBU NEWS)