Three cops relieved

THREE policemen were relieved from their posts while facing administrative investigation for allegedly mauling two men in barangay Punta Princessa, Cebu City.

PO3 Atilano Ferrolino, PO1 Alexes Aferez, and PO1 Romeo Ramas were moved from the Punta Princessa police station to the Cebu City Public Safety Company.

Although the complainants agreed to settle the issue amicably, administrative investigation will still be conducted against them, said Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, Cebu City police chief.

Julie Labiaga, 23, and Roland Tesoro, 24, residents of barangay Pahina-San Nicolas, had complained that the three policemen picked them up last March 21 after they were suspected to be thieves.

The two men, who were bringing a sack, were headed to the apartment of Tesoro’s relative to dispose of a dead dog when they met three policemen who were on payrol.

The three policemen confronted the three men and asked why they were in the area where several theft cases had occurred. Despite their explanation, the two men were still brought to the Punta Princessa police station.

The two men alleged that the three policemen mauled them, an accusation that the three policemen denied./CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON