Case vs. badmouthing village heads to push through

By Maricar M. Calubiran

The case against two barangay captains accused of badmouthing a policeman will push through.

At the same time, city police director, Sr. Supt. Norlito Bautista, denied reports that there was already a settlement between SPO4 Nicolas Villaruel and Brgy. Captains Melchor Conte and Reynaldo Junio of Roxas Village and Kauswagan respectively. The two face charges of grave oral defamation, grave threats and resisting arrest.

Bautista's denial came in the wake of reports that Villaruel had already entered into a settlement. The preliminary hearing for the complaint filed against the two barangay dads is set today. Conte and Junio were released from jail recently after Iloilo City Prosecutor Efraim Baldago issued a released order for them.

The release order was the result of a petition for custody filed by Ortiz Barangay Capt. Salvador Castellano. As such, Castellano would be liable if the barangay captains would fail to appear during the scheduled preliminary hearing. Castellano was overheard claiming that the case was already settled and the filing of the case a mere formality.

Bautista said the police organization will extend legal assistance to Villaruel since the incident is in line with his official duty.

Bautista also reiterated that he will not abandon Villaruel in the latter's quest for justice. All erring cops will be punished but those who are hard working deserve praise and will receive support from the police organization, Bautista said.

The city director lamented they could not expect the ordinary people to respect the police when even the officials of the barangay do not respect them. They should be taught on how to respect the cops, he said of the barangay captains.

“Masyado na nilang minamaliit ang mga pulis (they belittle the police),” he said.

The two allegedly hurled defamatory words to Villaruel. Conte allegedly went on to threaten to shoot Villaruel.

The two allegedly reeked of alcohol and they resisted arrest when other policemen accosten them early dawn Tuesday at the Iloilo Central Market.

The city director, apparently irked by the actuations of the two barangay officials, said he will never allow anyone to demean the police organization.

“Dapat ginasuportahan sila kag indi ginaakigan (Cops should be supported, not berated),” he stressed.

The incident between Villaruel and the two barangay captains took place early dawn Tuesday. The feud started after a porter identified as Leodegario Basilio informed Villaruel that a pile of garbage in the area was on fire. Villaruel then instructed those who were present to help put off the fire.

The two barangay captains also rushed to the area. Reportedly, after the two barangay captains alighted from their multi-cab, they began shouting in a loud voice and asked if they had already called the fire station. They were allegedly unruly and smelling with liquors. It was then that Villaruel approached them and introduced himself as a police officer. However, the two barangay captains defamed the cop. Not, contended the duo again insulted Villaruel inside the police station.