CEBU CITY – The chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) assured that the alleged abuses committed by some of its personnel will be investigated “with utmost diligence and impartiality.”
Police Col. Ireneo Dalogdog said the CCPO has already initiated an internal investigation against the five personnel of the Mambaling Police Station who were accused of abducting and torturing an 18-year-old woman last Sept. 19.
The victim had sought assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas which then filed criminal charges against the five police officers.
Charged were Police Corporals Johnrober Ortega Rebusa, Jeffrey Patoc Alabata, and Keven Zosa Gilbuena and Police Staff Sergeants Donald Aboy Balansag and Joy Marie Alad-ad.
A civilian, a certain “Luis,” and another unidentified person were also charged.
The five police officers were accused of abducting a woman, whom they suspected of being involved in illegal drug activities.
The woman alleged that she was forced to admit that she was into drug pushing and was tortured while in captivity.
The woman also accused Luis of raping her in an apartment where she was brought after she was picked up by a group of police officers from a house in Barangay Basak-San Nicolas here.
Dalogdog said that after the charges were filed against the five police officers, the CCPO took immediate action by relieving them from their posts.
“The cases filed against these five personnel do not reflect the culture of the Philippine National Police as an organization. Though it may reflect the culture of the individuals involved,” said Dalogdog.
Dalogdog added that the CCPO will not tolerate illegal acts committed by its personnel.
If the allegations against the police officers are proven true, Dalogdog said the CCPO will not hesitate to “exact accountability.”
“We assure the public that the investigation will be conducted with the utmost diligence and impartiality,” said Dalogdog.