CRIMINAL cases were filed against two policemen yesterday.
Charged before the Regional Trial Court Criminal Division were SPO1 Roderick Roma of the Boljoon Police Station and PO3 Ryan Noval of the Regional Training School, which used to be based in Lahug, Cebu City, but is now located in Toledo City.
Roma was accused of violating Republic Act 7610, or the Child Protection Act, for allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old boy five years ago.
Bail was set at P80,000.
Based on the complaint, the policeman kicked, boxed and slapped the minor on June 24, 2005, after the latter threw a bucket of water on a vehicle and damaged its side
mirror.
The minor and other town residents were celebrating the feast of St. John the Baptist by throwing water on passing vehicles and persons.
Roma, in his counter-affidavit, denied laying a hand on the boy.
But Graft Investigator Blas Antonio Tuliao resolved to file the case.
“The positive identification of respondent by complainant and his witnesses bears more credence than the bare denial of respondent,” he said.
“Besides, the allegation of the complainant is buttressed by the medical certificate showing the injuries which he suffered,” he added.
Projector
Meanwhile, PO3 Noval is accused of stealing a data video projector, worth P103,600.
Bail was set at P36,000.
Noval, who did not submit a counter-affidavit, allegedly took the equipment from his superior’s quarters on Sept. 14, 2005, along with a bag of compact discs, while the latter was out.
When the superior discovered the loss, he ordered an investigation, which included having everyone take a lie detector test at the National Bureau of Investigation.
Noval allegedly admitted to the crime, and said he pawned the equipment for P8,500. He also reportedly executed an affidavit that he pawned the item but lost its receipt. The projector was ultimately redeemed.
SPO4s Teddy Velez and Roberto Tiongco also executed affidavits, corroborating their superior’s statement.
“On the basis of the evidence on record, we find probable cause to hold respondent criminally liable,” Graft Investigator Julius Java said in resolving to indict the policeman.