A police colonel is now facing a string of administrative cases after he was accused of hitting a police sergeant with a broken glass on the left eye after a drinking session right inside the Police Regional Office 5 at Camp Simeon Ola in Legazpi City.
The incident resulted in the loss of vision of the left eye of Police Master Sgt. Ricky Brabante, assigned to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 5. He is now recuperating in a hospital in Legazpi City but was told that his left eye would be permanently blind.
The incident involving Police Col. Dulnoan Dinamling, Jr. happened early morning of Saturday, Nov. 12 but it was only reported on Monday.
Gen. Dionardo Carlos, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has already ordered an investigation into the incident and ordered the re-assignment of Dinamling to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section of the PNP Aviation Security Group in Pasay City.
“We do not condone any act of violence within the organization as much as we uphold the right of every accuse for due process,” said Carlos.
He also assured the all the medical expenses of Brabante will be shouldered by the PNP.
What happened?
Based on the report obtained by the Manila Bulletin, Dinamling was invited by his classmate, Police Col. Clarence Gomeyac, to celebrate the latter’s birthday at Camp Simeon Ola on Friday night, Nov. 11.
Both Gomeyac and Dinamling are members of the PNP Academy Class 1998. Gomeyac is the commander of the Regional Mobile Forces Battalion 5 while Dinamling was the head of the Aviation Security Group in Region 5.
At around 1 a.m., Brabante decided to go around the camp to keep himself awake since he was the one tasked to clean up the mess that would be created during the birthday celebration.
While doing so, he spotted a group of junior police officers under RMFB5 on formation. He then went to the area to advise them to go to the nearest tent since it was then raining.
He failed to notice Dinamling who was then talking to the junior police officers allegedly while drunk. Scared after eventually recognizing the police official, Branbate tried to walk away but he was allegedly chased by the police official.
He was then allegedly hit by a broken glass in the left eye. Bloodied, Brabante fell on his knees. Allegedly, Dinamling tried to attack him again but he was prevented by other policemen in the area.
Brabante was taken to the nearby hospital.
Abuse of power
Carlos assured that justice will be served for Brabante, adding that the even the commander of RMFB 5 (Gomeyac) was also relieved to ensure that he would not influence the outcome of the investigation.
"We maintain the integrity of the investigation giving equal right to both parties involved. Rank may have its privileges but it can never justify abuse of power and drunken misconduct, and PCol Dinamling will have to face the consequences of his actions," said Carlos.