A POLICEMAN caused a commotion in one of Cagayan de Oro City’s massage parlors, Tuesday evening, March 19, after he was denied by a masseuse of engaging in sexual activity, commonly referred to as “extra service.”
Police authorities arrested one of their own, identified as Police Officer 1 (PO1) Ralph Vincent Bacas, 29, resident of Valencia City, Bukidnon. He was presently assigned at the 10th Regional Mobile Force Battalion.
Bacas will be facing charges relating to carrying a firearm, after responding operatives confiscated the glock 9mm, which was issued by the police headquarters.
Police also filed grave coercion and violation of Commission on Election’s gun ban charges against Bacas, which he can post bail.
Based on the investigation, Bacas, while on his civilian clothing, was observed to be under the influence of alcohol and caused trouble inside a massage spa along JR Borja-Aguinaldo streets.
Inspector Ernesto Sanchez, deputy commander of police station 2, said the suspect went unruly when the therapist refused to his alleged offer of P1,000 in exchange for sex.
“Siguro wala mahatag iyang gusto nga extra service kay sumala pa sa complainant, nag offer daw siya og P1,000 pero wala siya mosugot mao tong nanggulat siya busa nagsumbong ang tag-iya sa atong opisina,” Sanchez said.
(Maybe he was not given what he wanted, because according to the complainant, he offered P1,000 but the complainant did not agree, so he went berserk, that’s why the spa owner called us in the office)
The city government, through the Regulatory Complaints Board (RCB), is strictly implementing the “No extra service” policy in massage spas in the city.
Sanchez said policemen were always reminded on the marching order from the higher headquarters against drinking alcohol.
Good results
Meanwhile, the RCB reminded the public to follow rules especially on the “No service policy,” as this would mean penalties will be met if violations were proven.
Antonio Resma Jr., RCB member and inspectorate team leader, said that he is personally happy in such a way that their information and educational campaign was somehow effective, because of the masseuse’s refusal to take the P1,000 extra-service offer.
“We are slowly achieving our goals which is to restore the dignity of the spa / massage clinic industry in the City. Let this also serve as a warning to the customers who will attempt to avail of the so-called ‘extra-service,’” he said.
“I also commend the business operator and massage therapist who reported the incident, together we can uplift the image and restore the dignity of the spa / massage clinic industry in the City,” he added.
Lawyer Jose Edgardo Uy, head of the RCB, also said that while Bacas’ case is subject for investigation, it should serve as a lesson for everybody.
“Soliciting or offering extra service is what the RCB is campaigning against. If the allegations against the police officer were found to be true, and and he is brought to justice, then that should serve as a hard lesson to everybody,” he said.
“As many may already know, the RCB will continue to do justice to its mandate of seriously regulating businesses under its jurisdiction,” Uy added.
HQ reprimands
Adding to the circumstances, the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao, will not take the case of Bacas lightly.
Superintendent Surki Sereñas, said that other than a criminal case, Bacas will also face an administrative case from the police headquarters.
“He faces dismissal from the police service and imprisonment if proven guilty,” he said.
“Being a PO1, it is expected that the Police Officers Creed that states; ‘I will live a decent and virtuous life to serve as an example to others,’ is still he fresh in his mind. But he seemed to have forgotten it completely,” Sereñas added. (with reports from Nef Luczon)