Friday, August 15, 2008 Ronda cop denies mauling father, son
THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) 7 yesterday started its investigation against PO1 Christian Peñafiel and other police officers from Ronda, Cebu in relation to the alleged mauling of a father and son at the police station last month.
Donnie Noel died four days after the alleged incident last July 25. His son Russell went to Napolcom last Monday to seek the agency’s assistance.
There is no complaint filed by Russell against Peñafiel. But Napolcom 7 Director Bernardo Calibo said they are looking into three incidents: the alleged mauling, the reported drinking of some policemen inside the Ronda Police Station, and the allegation that the police falsified the blotter entry of the incident.
Calibo said the medical testimony of Donnie’s attending doctor and the result of the autopsy will be used as evidence.
Police still needs witnesses to the reported drinking inside the station.
Ronda Police Station Chief Insp. Milo Dagasdas said he doesn’t tolerate drinking inside the police station.
But it is already beyond his control if his men drink outside.
On the falsification of a blotter entry, Insp. Dagasdas and PO1 Benedicto Rubia said it is not true.
He said the blotter entry was based on the complaint filed by Juliet James against Russell and another companion who allegedly harassed her while she was walking home.
James said Russell and his companion were armed with a .38 revolver and a .45 pistol.
Her complaint was used as basis for the police to visit the house of the Noels supposedly to invite Russell to a dialogue.
But because Russell was reportedly drunk, Insp. Alan Rosario of the Special Reaction Unit (SRU) and PO1 Josephus Faunillan of the Ronda Police Station advised Russell to go to the police station at 8 a.m. the following day.
Hours later, Russell and Donnie arrived at the station, saying they were mauled by a policeman.
SPO1 Bertoldo Mansueto said he asked Russell and Donnie to come inside the police station so that their allegation will be taken down.
At this point, Peñafiel and PO3 Leo Susvilla, of the Provincial Mobile Group in Ronda, arrived.
Russell identified Peñafiel as the one who mauled him.
Penafiel warded off Russell but hit hit Donnie in the process.
