19 cops face multiple raps

NINETEEN policemen are now facing multiple charges filed before the Office of Ombudsman-Visayas for kidnapping serious illegal detention, violation of Republic Act 9745 and RA 7348.

The charges were filed against former Bago City PNP Police Chief Superintendent Simeon Gane, SPO4 Raymundo Franco, SPO2 Ramon Garalda, PO3 Napoleon Espinosa, SPO4 Gilbert Sabusab, SPO1 Norberto Pahilanga, PO3 Jimmy Potesta, PO2 Arhiebal Vallalos, and PO2 Calixto Galido, all of Bago City Philippine national Police (PNP).

SPO1 Ronilo Francisco, SPO1Kevin Biazon, PO2 Rodolfo Magbanua, PO2 Aron Gabadan, PO2 Christopher Raul De la Paz, PO1 Ernie Anas, PO1 Wilson Patenio, and Police Chief Inspector Lino Dalisay, all were assigned in Provincial Mobile Group, and SPO3 Rafael Nisnisan, assigned in Negros Occidental Police Provincial (NOPPO).

Galido yesterday said in Aksyon Radyo interview that the case was filed by Democrito Despojo et al against Marilou Villanueva.

He said some members of RPA and some civilians in Bago City were also included in the charges filed before the Office of Ombudsman-Visayas.

He cited the filing of kidnapping with serious illegal detention, violation of Anti-Torture Act, and violation of the rights of the person under custodial investigation against them was triggered by the apprehension of Roque Vinco, Renaldo Vinco, Barker Mansisa, and Jojien Caliso last year in Barangay Antipolohan, Bago City for grave coercion and illegal discharge of firearms.

He said last April 26, 2011, the Bago City police received a report from Villanueva that their land in Barangay Antipolohan was entered by the group of Roque Vinco who fired their guns in the area.

Galido claimed he was surprised when he learned that he was included in the charges filed before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

He said during the incident, he was attending a court hearing. (Merlinda A. Pedrosa)