PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief General Dionardo Carlos ordered on Saturday, November 20, the creation of a Special Investigation Task Group to probe an incident involving two officers of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Bicol.
A ranking official, PRO-Bicol aviation commander Colonel Dulnoan Dinamling Jr., reportedly inflicted harm to another policeman, Police MSgt. Ricky Brabante, resulting in the latter’s blindness.
Carlos said Dinamling and PRO-Bicol Regional Mobile Force Battalion commander Colonel Clarence Gomeyac were relieved from their post to pave the way for the investigation.
“We do not condone any act of violence within the organization as much as we uphold the right of every accused for due process,” Carlos said.
“We maintain the integrity of the investigation, giving equal right to both parties involved. Rank may have its privileges but it can never justify abuse of power and drunken misconduct, and PCol. Dinamling will have to face the consequences of his actions,” he added.
Based on a report, Gomeyac held his birthday celebration in his office inside the Camp Brigadier General Simeon Ola in Legazpi City. It was attended by his subordinates and some of his classmates, including Dinamling.
Brabante said he was among the police officers tasked to clean up after the celebration.
Around 12:30 a.m., Brabante said he decided to take a walk and saw from afar several policemen in formation. He went near them and told them to take shelter since it was raining, upon knowing they were his juniors.
Brabante said he did not notice that Dinamling, who was intoxicated, was present at that time and that he was the one who ordered the cops to form.
He said he felt ashamed upon seeing the police official and turned his back. But Dinamling hit him with a glass bottle from behind.
Dinamling allegedly tried to grab another glass bottle to hit him, but his subordinates stopped him.
Brabante was rushed to a hospital.
“Ang sana’y masayang pagdiriwang ng kaarawan ay nauwi sa isang pangyayaring nagresulta sa habang buhay na pagkawala ng paningin ng isa sa mata ng biktima na si PMSgt. Ricky Brabante,” PRO-Bicol Director Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo said in a statement.
(A supposed-to-be happy birthday celebration ended up having a police officer losing an eye.)
“Si Brabante ay nawalan ng isang mata na habang buhay na magmamarka bilang isang masalimuot na pangyayari,” he added.
Estomo said the doctors had to remove Brabante’s right eye to avoid complications.
He assured that the PNP will shoulder all his medical expenses.
Estomo said they will support and assist Brabante in the filing of criminal charges against Dinamling.
The PRO-Bicol also has filed administrative charges against the suspect. (SunStar Philippines)