Policeman accused of assaulting taxi driver

A policeman was accused of hitting a taxi driver in the face with the butt of a gun in a confrontation yesterday morning in barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

SPO2 Emmanuel Cabilao, 52, a resident of barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, was arrested by fellow policemen after the incident.

Jesus Miones Lagorin, driver of RDSAMX Taxi, complained to the Mabolo Police Station that Cabilao attacked him when he asked the policeman to pay his fare.

Lagorin said the policeman and his two companions flagged him down in Guadalupe and asked to be brought to a motel in Mabolo.

The taxi driver alleged that when they arrived at the motel, the policeman and his companions tried to get off without paying their fare.

Lagorin said he demanded payment but instead of paying, the police flashed a 9mm caliber pistol.

Lagorin said the policeman hit him with the gun before he got off.

The taxi driver went to the Mabolo police station to report the incident.

Cabilao was arrested in the motel by PO2 Crisanto Nudal, PO2 Fernando Tanquino, PO2 Bernie S. Calderon and PO2 Nico Nonceda.

A loaded 9mm caliber pistol was recovered from Cabilao.

Cabilao said the gun was licensed, a claim that was still being investigated, police said.

Cabilao is assigned at the intelligence branch of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO).

Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, chief of the CPPO director, Cabilao may be relieved because of the incident.

Comendador said Cabilao has attitude problems.

Comendador said an investigation will be made to determine Cabilao’s administrative liability.

Charges of physical injury and violation of the election gun ban could be filed against Cabilao, police said./CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON AND CNU INTERN NICE ANN TELERON