Cebu policeman in hot water for alleged harassment of female cop

A 24-year-old policewoman files a complaint against a 53-year-old senior officer for allegedly sexually harassing her. ADOR VINCENT MAYOL/INQUIRER VISAYAS

CEBU CITY – A 53-year-old policeman is in hot water for allegedly making sexual advances on a policewoman in one of the stations in Cebu City.

The Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) of the Cebu City Police Office found sufficient basis to file charges of grave misconduct against the policeman at the Regional Internal Affairs Service which has the authority to impose penalties against uniformed officers.

“There is a possibility that he (will) be dismissed from service,” said Supt. Ryan Devaras, chief of the IDMB.

The IDMB chief requested not to release the names of the respondent and complainant pending the resolution of the case.

Devaras said the respondent was relieved from his post and was directed to report to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit. The respondent, he added, denied the accusations leveled against him.

The 24-year-old policewoman said she was inside the administrative office of the Waterfront Police Station around 5 p.m. last Nov. 4 when the respondent suddenly approached her, groped her legs and said: “Maghikap-hikap lang gud ta kay kita ra man duha diri. (Let us just touch each other since we are the only ones here).”

The complainant said she told the senior police officer not to touch her.

Fortunately, another policeman called the respondent from outside of the station, prompting the latter to leave the room.

Although she was trembling in fear, the complainant said she immediately ran outside the room.

The complainant said it was not the first time the respondent asked for sexual favors from her.

Last September, she said the respondent uttered lewd remarks intended for her.

In February, she added the policeman also kissed her.

The complainant confided to the chief of the Waterfront Police what the respondent did to her. The case was later forwarded to the IDMB, which conducted an investigation on the issue./rga