Three police officers figure in mauling episode vs taxi drivers
Three neophyte police officers hugged the limelight after they figured in a mauling episode against two taxi drivers early morning of yesterday at Smallville Complex, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
Reports said that Insp. Erwin Legayada of the Iloilo City Mobile Group (ICMG); and Insp. Rolando Lago and Insp. Roy Rodrigo Gudierres, both deputy chief of police of Mandurriao Police Station came from a bar at around 4:00 in the morning.
They allegedly approached one of the waiting taxis and asked to be transported.
But alias Spark, driver of GDR Taxi bearing plate number FWV-227 refused.
This apparently irked Legayada who told the driver that he could be liable for refusing to convey a passenger.
A heated argument between the duo ensued.
At the height of their argument, the three cops alleged that Spark pulled a knife and thrust it at Legayada’s direction.
However, the police officer was not hit.
This prompted Jun-Jun Rubiato of Brgy. Bolilao, Mandurriao and driver of GDR Taxi with plate number FWT-714, to punch Legayada who was hit on the nose.
Shortly later, responding policemen from Mandurriao Police Station arrived.
But Spark immediately left the area.
Policemen then arrested Rubiato and put him behind bars.
He will be charged with physical injuries and resisting arrest.
But while the three police officers positively identified Rubiato as the suspect, the taxi driver alleged that he was also subjected to manhandling while inside the police station.
Reports claimed that someone punched Rubiato on the mouth.
“But he could not identify the person,” said Mandurriao Police Station chief Chief Insp. Conrado Carganillo.
He also debunked reports that the 3 beleaguered cops ganged up on Rubiato.
“They tried to pacify the fight,” Garganillo added.
But just the same, the Mandurriao PNP chief said that he already ordered probe surrounding Rubiato’s accusations.
