Cop probed for 'mauling' neighbor

CEBU, Philippines - A member of the Mobile Patrol Group of the Mandaue City Police Office is in hot water for allegedly mauling his neighbor in Purok Villa Manga, Barangay Opao, Mandaue City last Thursday morning.

Mandaue City Police Director Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac has directed the Investigation and Detective Management Branch and the Police Station 5 in Barangay Opao to launch separate investigations on the alleged incident.

Chief Inspector Noel Lomente will head the IDMB investigation while Insp. Wilson Abot, chief of the Police Station 5, will head the other probe.

A certain Wilburt Pañares, 24, had accused PO1 Rex Arnosa, 26, of allegedly mauling him about 6:30 am last Thursday when he was about to take a bath at the faucet outside his house.

Arnosa was quick to deny Pañares’ allegation, saying it was the latter who started the fight and who punched him first.

Based on records at Police Station 5, the two men sustained physical injuries and, in fact, have secured medical certificates that can support the filing of charges.

Arnosa, for his part, claimed he was standing at the gate of their house when Pañares approached him, saying, “ngano nagtulis-tulisok ka man sa akong asawa?” This reportedly started their fistfight.

Still, Pañares defended himself, claiming he was just heading towards the faucet when Arnosa blocked his way and gave him several blows. Not contented, Arnosa allegedly pulled out a firearm of unknown caliber, which prompted Pañares to run inside his house for safety.

Gillamac said it is now up for both men to provide witnesses who can support their statements.

“We have to know what really happened through initial investigation,” Gillamac said. — (FREEMAN)