A MEMBER of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) was relieved from his post and was criminally charged Monday after he allegedly got involved in a mauling incident at Barangay Dancalan, Ilog, Negros Occidental on April 19.
Patrolman Jan Reymel Bagatela, 34, assigned at the City Mobile Force Company and also detailed at City Drug Enforcement Unit was reassigned to the Regional Personnel Accounting and Holding Unit (RPHAU) – 6 in Iloilo City effective April 22.
Police Colonel Henry Biñas, officer-in-charge of BCPO, said Bagatela will be investigated for his administrative offense.
“We will not tolerate such behavior,” he added.
Last Friday, Bagatela was reportedly drunk when he got involved in a commotion involving six civilians, including two minors.
Police Major Norberto Barniso, chief of Ilog Municipal Police Station, identified the victims as Ritchie Gerasmia, 22, of Barangay Bata, Bacolod City; Justine Karl Gecosala, 18; John Carlo Yap, 18; Jake Amen, 22, all residents of Barangay Dancalan; and two minors aged 17.
Barniso said Bagatela allegedly called out one of the victims on a motorcycle in front of a store and checked the documents related to the ownership of the motorcycle. But, when he failed to present it, the police officer allegedly kicked and punched him as he suspected him to be a member of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Bagatela also allegedly punched some of them and threatened them at gunpoint. He did not resist arrest when policemen brought him to the station through the assistance of the village watchmen.
Barniso said Bagatela’s firearm was not recovered from him during his arrest.
Barniso said Bagatela was also previously reported for the same offense when he’s under the influence of liquor.
Charges for multiple physical injuries, threat, and physical injuries in relation to violation of Republic Act 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” were already filed against Bagatela Monday.