A THREE-MONTH suspension without pay was served against Murcia PNP Chief of Police together with his five police personnel for "conduct unbecoming."
Also, per resolution, the office of the Ombudsman for the Visayas ruled that the case for arbitrary detention against Murcia PNP Chief Senior Inspector Simeon Gane and SPO2 Hervacio Mercurio, PO3 Winni Tongoy, PO3 Jose Farley Togle, PO3 Gerardo Makilan and PO2 Regino Robles be filed in court.
The Ombudsman's decision and said resolution were recommended by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer 2 Maria Teresa Lee - Rafols and concurred by Eulogio Cicilio, OIC director, and approved by OIC Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro.
In a five-page decision of the Ombudsman, the case stemmed from complainant Rafaelito Gayares who accused the suspended policemen relative to altercation that happened in October 13, 2006 at around 11:15 p.m.
Gayares was arrested and detained by the accused policemen after he was engaged in an altercation against former ABC president Luisito Tobongbanua and civilian Allan Baliguas.
The Murcia PNP recovered from Gayares' possession an arm pistol which despite the latter's showing of permits to carry a firearm and other pertinent documents, he was detained and was charged of Direct Assault.
Gayares was released last Nov. 2, 2006 after having posted bail.
The court in its decision said there is sufficient evidence that the respondents abused their authorities while in performance of their duties. (Ted Llena)