Police brutality complaint in Punta Princessa precinct

TWO men who were suspected of being thieves said they were arrested and mauled by three policemen in barangay Punta Princessa, Cebu City.

Julie Labiaga, 23, and Roland Tesoro, 24, said they were picked up on Wednesday and detained overnight at the Punta Police Station.

Tesoro showed a medical certificate for his injuries and a hematoma in the chest.

He said they were beaten with a wooden stick.

The two men, residents of barangay Pahina San Nicolas, yesterday went to the office of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) to complain out of fear for their safety.

A confrontation ensue in the office with PO3 Atilano Ferrolino, PO1 Alexes Aferez and PO1 Romeo Ramas,

The parties later agreed to settle the issue out of court.

But Insp. Jesus Arong, IDMB deputy chief, said an investigation would still be made to determine the possible liability of the three policemen.

Labiaga and Tesoro said said they were carrying a sack on their way to Lourdes Apartment after Tesoro’s cousin called them to dispose of a dead dog.

They said the policemen were on patrol and stopped them to ask what they were doing in the area.

Suspecting they were thieves, the policemen brought them to the police station.

The three policemen denied mauling the suspects who were released about noon last Thursday./CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON