CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Mayor Vilma Caluag of this city has directed the city police to conduct a speedy and thorough investigation on the mauling incident where a member of the LGBTQ+ community was seriously injured.
Caluag’s mediation on the case came after the local police allegedly failed to properly accommodate the victim’s complaint when his group sought assistance immediately after the incident.
On the dawn of May 30, the victim identified as Emelito Calma, Jr., also known as Kath Sytangco, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, was mauled and stabbed allegedly by a group of individuals in Barangay Sta. Lucia here.
By noon of the same day, the victim's friends who witnessed the incident sought the assistance of the nearest police station in Barangay Del Pilar in the hope of having the suspects arrested through a hot pursuit operation.
“Pagdating namin doon, pinalipat kami sa ComPac 2 sa Barangay Dolores pero kinwestiyon lang kami doon, ‘yung iba wala pang kinalaman sa nangyari at nakakainsulto, pero bandang huli pinasa din kami sa police station sa Barangay Maimpis,” said one of the witnesses who asked for anonymity.
Only the police station in Barangay Maimpis reportedly entertained the complainants.
The witnesses sought the assistance of Caluag through City Tourism Office Focal Person Joebee Henson.
Upon learning about the incident, Caluag immediately called for an emergency meeting between the policemen and the complainants.
“Very disappointed ako kasi humingi ng tulong ang mga tao na dapat pinagsisilbihan ng kapulisan pero pinagpasa-pasahan sila. Hindi ko palalampasin ang ganitong trato dahil kami sa city government ay nagtatrabaho ng maayos para sa mga Fernandino,” said Caluag.
The mayor said she will personally oversee the investigation to ensure that justice will be served to the victim.
“Naiintindihan ko na may due process na sinusunod pero ang hinihingi natin sa mga kapulisan, bigyan ng kaunting puso ang serbisyo at maging patas sa lahat. Hindi dahil bakla o mahirap, hindi na aasikasuhin,” she said.
She also vowed to provide security to witnesses who were allegedly receiving threats from the suspects.
Lieutenant Colonel Preston Bagangan, the city’s chief of police, said he will conduct an internal investigation on the actions of the policemen.
“We will never tolerate this kind of behavior. Iimbestigahan po natin ito at kapag nakita na may naging pagkakamali ang atin kapulisan ay mapaparusahan,” he said.
Bagangan also said they are waiting for the formal complaint of the victims and pieces of evidence to pursue the case.
The victim, who sustained head injuries, is now recuperating at a private hospital here. - With reports from Rey Pineda