A POLICE officer who was listed in the bond paper recovered in an area where a severed human right hand was found at Zone 3, Ilang-Ilang Street, Purok Riverside, Barangay Bata, Bacolod City was placed under restriction, an official of the city police office said Wednesday, April 19.
Lieutenant Colonel Sherlock Gabana, spokesperson of Bacolod City Police Office, said Staff Sergeant Anthony Vistar was placed under restriction in Police Station 5 while the investigation is still ongoing.
He said Vistar can still report to Police Station 5, but he will not be given an assignment in the meantime.
He added that the investigation will be conducted by the BCPO administration office and Police Station 5.
Gabana noted that it’s only an allegation against Vistar, so they need to clear his name.
On April 17, a severed human right hand was found inside a transparent plastic bag at Zone 3, Ilang-Ilang Street, Purok Riverside, Barangay Bata.
Major Armilyn Vargas, commander of Police Station 3, earlier said they also found a bond paper with the written words, “ Anthony “Tata” Vistar pusher, protector, kawatan!!! Bulang pa more a!
“Maybe it’s harassment as part of his job, so we will investigate,” she added.
Moreover, Captain Francis Depasucat, commander of Police Station 5, said Vistar was relieved from his assignment as a station drug enforcement team and was transferred to the station’s administration office while the investigation is ongoing.
He said Vistar is a hardworking police officer, and they believe that he is not involved in illegal drug activities.
“Once we complete the investigation, we will submit it to the headquarters, and we will wait for the final decision of the BCPO,” he added.
Depasucat noted that as police officers, it’s part of their job to be threatened by the companions of the drug groups who were arrested by the operatives.
He also disclosed that they are now coordinating with Police Station 3 to fast-track the investigation and identify the suspects who dumped the severed right hand at Barangay Bata.
Meanwhile, Vistar could not be reached for comment as of press time.*