Female cop files sex raps vs N. Samar PNP director

CATARMAN, NORTH SAMAR, Philippines — A 30-year-old policewoman filed a sexual harassment case against her superior, Senior Superintendent Caesar Tannagan, director of the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO).

Police Officer 1 Catherine Adrianne Gatela Millan assigned as secretary of Tannagan, alleged in her complaint that the incidents took place on August 9 and 10 when the director kissed her several times and even tried to undress her and touch her private parts.

Millan, in her affidavit, also narrated that the latest sexual harassment occured at around 10:45 a.m. at the director's quarter and, the day earlier, inside a van at 1 p.m. at Bobon town in Northern Samar.

She alleged that, inside the van, Tannagan told her, "Alam mo matagal na kitang gusto; your ways and ang bait mo," then held her arms tightly and kissed her.

On August 10, Tannagan again ordered her to report to his quarters, but when she got inside, he suddenly locked the door, held her arms tightly and said: "Naisip mo rin ba yung nangyari kagabi?" While she got stunned, he quickly dragged and pushed her into his bed, and kissed her many times, Millan alleged.

Tannagan, in an interview with The Freeman and The Philippine Star, vehemently denied the accusations hurled against by Millan, saying the latter's allegations contained in her affidavit were all fabricated and malicious.

"What I can say is I am innocent about that charges ... and I am ready and willing to face such complaint before any proper forum. You know that I cannot afford to do that. My great performance in Northern Samar would be the best indication and could speak up on who I am as a police official. Lalabas din ang katotohanan. My only appeal to the media na ilabas lang ang katotohanan," Tannagan declared.

Tannagan however admitted that he was also charged with the same offense during his previous assignment in Region 4-A but it was dismissed due to to lack of merit and strong evidence.

The sexual harassment and attempted rape charges were already filed before the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS) of the Police Regional Office-8 (PRO-8) for administrative proceedings, while criminal cases were filed before the Regional Trial Court.

Millan was temporarily relieved from her assignment at the NSPPO director's office, while the cases are under investigation.

PRO-8 Director, Chief Superitendent Elmer Beltejar also warned Tannagan to be ready with his answers to the complaint, and he assures both parties that there will be no whitewash in the investigation.

Meawhile in another case involving a top police official in Eastern Visayas, Senior Superintendent  Darantinao, former director of the Biliran Police Provincial Office, was found "guilty" beyond reasonable doubt" by the Sandiganbayan for sexual harassment of her female subordinate, two years ago, but is now at-large or a fugitive from the law. (FREEMAN)