Mandaue cop faces complaint before Office of the President

CEBU, Philippines — A policeman is facing a complaint before the Office of the President for allegedly holding cockfights and for abusing a neighbor in Barangay Labogon, Mandaue City.

Eglyrina Caballero, also a resident of Barangay Labogon, filed on April 16, 2018, a complaint against Police Officer 2 Ringie Catamora.

"I am writing your office in order to file a complaint against PO2 Ringie Catamora, a resident of Lapyahan, Barangay Labogon, (for) committing acts detrimental to the police organization in particular and to the president’s policies in general," stated the complaint addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte through Director Oscar Albayalde, PNP chief.

In her affidavit, Caballero alleged that on December 31 last year she witnessed how Catamora physically abused one Ronel Castillo.

Since Castillo wanted to stay silent about what happened because of fear, Caballero instead filed the complaint saying she is one of the supporters of the president’s policies of eradicating bad elements in the society.

She added Castillo is traumatized and refused to leave his house after the incident.

Caballero added that Castillo reported the incident to the police as they prodded him but he was very hesitant because of the threats he gets from Catamora.

Caballero also alleged that Catamora holds cockfights in his place and he also brandishes his gun.

Not Guilty Plea

Meanwhile, PO3 Ritchie Saquilabon, formerly of Parian Police Station who was charged with extortion, pleaded not guilty before the court during his arraignment on April 13.

Saquilabon allegedly extorted P20,000 from a suspected drug pusher they arrested on March 19 inside a mall on Sanciangko corner Junquera Street, Cebu City.

Saquilabon with his three companions, who are still under investigation, arrested Richie Labus of Barangay Banilad for alleged possession of illegal drugs.

The operation was reportedly not sanctioned by the office.

Instead of bringing Labus to the police station for proper disposition, they kept him in their custody and demanded money to downgrade his case.

After knowing the demand, Gloria, the suspect’s mother, reported the matter to the Counter Intelligence Task Force (CITF) national headquarters.

Saquilabon was arrested in an entrapment operation but his cohorts managed to escape. —/MBG (FREEMAN)