Senate detains cop who allegedly refused to write a blotter report on slay try

PSSg. Renevic Rizaldo | PHOTO: Screengrab from Senate of the Philippine’s YouTube

MANILA, Philippines — Senators on Tuesday cited in contempt a police officer who is in hot water for allegedly refusing to write a blotter report on an attempted killing of an aspiring councilor in Bayawan, Negros Oriental.

A certain Wilfred Estiñoso, the father of slain Juwim Estiñoso, said Police Staff Sgt. Renevic Rizaldo purportedly declined to entertain Juwim when he sought assistance after the first attempt on his life a year ago.

“Juwim went to the police station to report that something had happened to him and that he received a death threat. The policeman did not entertain the report and told him it was just a figment of his imagination,” Wilfred said, speaking partly in Filipino, before the Senate public order and dangerous drugs panel.

READ: Senate starts probe into Degamo slay, spate of political killings

Asked who this police officer was, Wilfred did not hold back and alleged it was Rizaldo.

With his voice slightly shaking, Rizaldo – who bared that he was formerly a security personnel for suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. – denied the claim and insisted that he cannot remember not entertaining Juwim’s complaint.

Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. first dangled the threat of citing Rizaldo in contempt if he was found dishonest in his testimony while under oath.

Wilfred and Juwim’s wife Marisol Estiñoso, however, were firm in their claim.

Further pressed against the wall, Rizaldo said it was possible he didn’t entertain Juwim’s report since he really cannot recall the incident.

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who is also a former national police chief, made Rizaldo, now teary-eyed, read his police badge to remind him that service, honor, and justice are the pillars of being a law enforcer.

“You violated all those three basic virtues of our organization – the Philippine National Police. You don’t have the right to wear that badge of honor,” he said.

But Dela Rosa said he believes Rizaldo may have learned his lesson.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, however, was seemingly less forgiving as he officially asked the Senate to put Rizaldo under its custody.

“I would like to move that this particular policeman, Staff Sergeant Rizaldo, be cited in contempt,” he said.

Revilla seconded Estrada’s motion, saying Rizaldo “seems like he’s lying.”

With no objections, Dela Rosa, who chairs the panel, approved the motion of Estrada.

“If there is selective justice in Negros Oriental, there is selective memory of Police Staff Sergeant Renevic Rizaldo,” Dela Rosa said.

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JPV