Cop saved from criminal raps, faces admin case

CEBU, Philippines - A police officer who was accused for acts of lasciviousness after allegedly sexually assaulting a masseuse in Barangay Polambato, Bogo City two months ago may get away from criminal liabilities but not from administrative charges.

A few days after the charges were filed at the fiscal’s office against PO1 Jeffrey Satera, the complainant executed an affidavit of desistance.

However, the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (PIDMB) said Satera will not be free from the charge of grave misconduct that they will be recommending.

Police Officer 3 Joel Deiparine, PIDMB chief investigator, told The FREEMAN that grave misconduct needs to have substantial evidence but the filing of a criminal case at the fiscal’s office was enough to prove such.

“Kinahanglan tuod ug substantial evidence ang grave misconduct pero the fact nga dunay kaso nga napasaka enough nana gani lang na-amicably settle ang kaso,” Deiparine said, adding that the affidavit of desistance is not an assurance that the grave misconduct case against Satera will be downgraded.

Chief Inspector Hermano Mallari, Bogo City police chief, said Satera was assigned as radio operator but was later on transferred to the beat patrol of the Bogo City Police Station.

Mallari added that he will be handing the copy of the affidavit of desistance today at the PIDMB for the cop’s pre-charge evaluation.

Satera is in hot water for allegedly molesting a 23-year-old therapist who had provided him home service massage at his house.

Police Officer 3 Rosalie Arnoco, Women’s and Children’s Desk officer, said that while at the middle of the session, Satera reportedly asked how much was the victim’s extra service, which was refused by the victim saying that she did not offer extra service.

The victim was massaging Satera’s palm when the latter allegedly pulled the victim’s hand and hugged her causing the victim to fall on the floor. Satera then reportedly went on top of her.

The victim made her way out of the house after she struggled and asked for help.  (FREEMAN)