CEBU, Philippines — A violator of mandatory health protocol is still contemplating on filing criminal charges against a policeman who allegedly flogged him.
Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla of Cebu City Police Office said the victim gave his statement to their Investigation and Detective Management Unit on Thursday.
“He has yet to decide whether or not to file a formal complaint against the police officer. We are just waiting for his decision,” Parilla said.
Parilla said though he advised the victim to pursue the case to give a lesson to abusive cops.
“Mas maayo og mo-file aron mas mapalig-on pa nato ang kaso kay bisan tuod og magpadayon atong administrative case without sa ilang official affidavit medyo huyang (case)," said Parilla.
He assured the victim of a “fair trial.”
If the victim chose not to pursue the complaint, Parilla said, the administrative charges against the cop will still push through.
“If he decides to file or not, the administrative case will still continue. At present, an investigation into the incident is still ongoing,” he said.
Parilla said using excessive force against a civilian is deemed as grave offense, adding that abusive behavior of policemen will not be tolerated.
If proven guilty, the police officer will be dismissed from service.
The victim, a delivery truck helper and delivery boy in Cebu City, was reportedly arrested by cops from Carbon Police Station 5 in Barangay Ermita for not wearing a face mask and was told to pay P1,000 in fine.
When he failed to settle the administration fine, the policeman, who was not identified pending the results of the police investigation, allegedly beaten the man with a wooden paddle.
The incident was posted on the Facebook account of Aikoh Ylara on February 9 and it went viral, garnering 7,800 likes and reactions, 11,000 comments and 14,000 shares as of 5 p.m. yesterday.
The man told the cops that he had no money to pay for the fine. So the cop asked him how many times he would like to be flogged—thrice of five times. When the victim opted the former, another cop said to beat him only twice.
He said he was hit thrice.
“Kini nahitabo Pebrero 8, 2021, mga alas 2 sa hapon. Nagtulo akong luha tungod sa kasakit paghuman sa paddle,” the post read.
He claimed that there were at least 10 of them who were flogged at that time. He added that others are afraid to come forward and to file complaints against the police.
“Dili ra ako ang biktima, daghan kami pero mahadlok motingog,” the post added.
On Friday, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella urged the public to report any police maltreatment and brutality to the city legal office.
The mayor said policemen are supposed to protect the citizens, not harass them. — KQD (FREEMAN)