HIGHLAND cops will be honoring a police officer after risking his life to stop a taxi driver, who was under the influence of alcohol, from attempting to evade apprehension.
Patrolman Julius Walan, who went viral on social media, will be honored on Monday, January 6, during the flag raising ceremony at the Police Regional Office (PRO)–Cordillera in Camp Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Colonel Allen Rae Co, Baguio City Police Office director, said they are set to file charges against the driver.
Walang has since been back on the job and is still under the traffic management group of the city despite his near-death experience on December 31, 2019 along Abanao Street.
The incident was recorded by concerned citizens as he was attempting to stop a taxi driver, Jone Dominguez Buclay, who committed a traffic violation.
Buclay tried to flee, but Walang held on to the taxi cab’s hood to prevent the driver from fleeing.
The driver was found intoxicated by police after being brought to the police station, but was set free when a judge came and asked for his release.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año commended Walang of his deed and publicly lauded the patrolman.
Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who has also asked for a probe of the issue, got a reply from Judge Roberto Mabalot after sending a message in the mayor’s social media page.
Mabalot denied claims that he interceded for the release of the offending driver and the taxi unit with his message released by the city information office in full.
Co added administrative case against the judge will also be prepared.
Supreme Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez on Thursday, January 3, said his office is already looking into the issue.
“We would like to get all available information before we require the concerned judge to comment," he added.
Meanwhile, Procor’s legal department is studying the possible filing of cases against Mabalot.
Police Brigadier General Israel Ephraim Dickson, Proco regional director, said just like any complainant, Walang is given the right to file appropriate cases against any suspect he sees fit to be filed with.
“For the judge, our legal department is currently studying the possible filing of a case of obstruction of justice and abuse of authority,” Dickson said.
He added possible charges will be filed against the taxi driver including violation of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act, attempted homicide, direct assault upon an Agent of Person in Authority, disobedience upon an Agent of Person in Authority/resisting arrest, grave threats and oral defamation. (With reports from Jonathan Llanes)