BACOLOD City – A policeman was relieved from the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) pending investigation into the complaints filed against him for mauling six persons, including two minors.
Patrolman Jan Reymel Bagatela, 24, was transferred to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit of the Police Regional Office 6 on April 23, according to BCPO director Colonel Henry Biñas.
Complaints for physical injuries, threat, and violation of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, were lodged against Bagatela before the Prosecutor’s Office.
Bagatela allegedly beat the two minors and other victims identified as Ritchie Gerasmia and Jake Amen, both 22 years old, and Justine Karl Gecosala and John Carlo Yap, both 18 years old, in Barangay Dancalan, Ilog, Negros Occidental on April 19.
The victims said Bagatela – who was detained in the lockup cell of the Ilog police station – also pointed a gun at them.
“Appropriate sanction will be imposed against the police,” said Biñas, adding that he cannot tolerate such “misconduct.”/PN
