Two BIN members maul Navy man

A member of the Philippine Navy complained before the Waterfront Police Station after being mistaken for a pickpocket by two Barangay Intelligence Network members who mauled him yesterday dawn.

The victim, Technical Sergeant Raul Patigayon, 49, is a Carcar town resident who is presently assigned to Naval Forces Central based in Lapu-Lapu City. Patigayon suffered various minor injuries to his body and head as a result of the alleged mauling.

Waterfront Police Station desk officer SPO1 Ernesto Caballero identified the suspects as Jose Ogsang, 31, of Legaspi Street, barangay Sto. Niño and Henry Nuevo, 30, of Panganiban Street, barangay Pahina Central. The two were reported to be members of the BIN organized by the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Branch of the city police.

A report over dyAB said Patigayon was reportedly drunk when he went to the Plaza Independencia to rest.

But a man sitting beside him on a bench suddenly accused him being a pickpocket and called the attention of Ogsang and Nuevo who were monitoring the area.

Patigayon, when confronted by the BIN members, denied the allegation and identified himself as a Philippine Navy member. But a heated altercation ensued, leading the suspects to allegedly maul the victim.

The police report said it was Ogsang who boxed the victim and that Nuevo had a gun but did not say whether he drew it. The suspects brought Patigayon to the police station where the man who earlier accused the victim did not show up.

The FREEMAN learned from the police station that both parties have agreed to settle the matter amicably. Caballero said the incident was only logged as "trouble alarm."

SPO2 Jessie Arong of the CIIB told The FREEMAN that they would summon Ogsang and Nuevo to explain the incident. - Edwin Ian Melecio/LPM