A NON-COMMISSIONED police officer is facing administrative and criminal charges after he allegedly mauled a civilian inside a cockpit Saturday afternoon, July 27, in Santa Marta, Catalunan Grande, Davao City.
The suspect was identified as Patrolman Jerry Gilvero Gumapac, 37, married, who was assigned at Toril Police Station and a resident of Sitio Toril, Catalunan Grande, Davao City.
Based on initial investigation, the complainant, Jake Fontillas Ajos, 27, a resident of Goldland Subdivision in Bago Gallera, and his brother/witness, Clint Fontillas Ajos, 20, were betting in a cockfighting game at 1:54 p.m. of July 27.
Gumapac accused Ajos of taking the money from his left pocket and then punched him four times, hitting the victim's right face and different parts of his body, reports said.
The suspect continuously mauled the victim even when the latter already fell to the ground.
The victim proceeded to the nearest police outpost in the area after to report the incident.
Talomo police immediately arrested the suspect, who is now detained at the Talomo Police Station. He is facing slight physical injuries, which will be filed through inquest proceedings.
Following the incident, Police Regional Office-Davao Director Marcelo Morales reiterated the office's campaign against its Internal Cleansing Program to weed out erring policemen from their ranks.
He likewise expressed his disappointment to the involved policeman because, despite the discipline they are instilling to the police force and efforts to restore the image of the organization, he said there are still rogue ones who taint the name of the Philippine National Police.
"I am tough on all offenders and they should know that crime does not pay. So we will also do the same with our fellow police officers if we catch them committing serious crimes or offenses," Morales said.
He encouraged the public to report incidents to their police hotline numbers for a quick police response to citizens' complaints and reports on incidents in their areas, and to help the police in their internal cleansing program.