Refugio faces 90-day preventive suspension
The PNP Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) found probable cause for the filing of an administrative charge against the policeman accused of harassing the children of Mayor Jerry Treñas.
And while the case is up for summary hearing proceedings, PIAS also recommended that PO1 Ronnie Refugio, one of the security details of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raul Gonzalez, Sr., be placed under 90-day preventive suspension.
“The complainant was able to establish probable cause for conduct unbecoming and grave misconduct,” said pre-charge investigator SPO1 Vicente Silla.
He added that Refugio’s only defense is denial.
“Denial is a negative defense cannot overrule with the complainants’ positive assertion,” Silla added.
To note, Refugio hugged the headlines after he was accused of harassing Treñas’ children during the latter’s relief goods giving among fire victims at Brgy.Nabitasan, La Paz, Iloilo City.
Siblings Raisa, Miguel, and their two brothers, who are both minors, reported to La Paz Police Station that they were at Nabitasan Elementarty School, the evacuation center for fire victims, when Refugio accosted them.
Shortly later, Refugio shouted at them, “Ano na?! Ano na?! Nag-agi kamo sa kapitan? Diin na naghalin?”
Despite the alleged arrogance on the cop, one of the children answered that the relief goods came from Mrs. Treñas.
The siblings claimed that Refugio, on top of his voice, retorted: “Kung gabulig kamo, indi niyo paglaktan pulitika.”
“Hinambalan niya dayon kami nga ma-gwa kag indi magpinulitika. Gina-uyat-uyatan niya ang pusil,” Raisa claimed.
Raisa and her brothers claimed that they did not initially mind Refugio and went on in giving relief goods.
However, the cop alleged stalked and threatened them.
Meanwhile, the PIAS found no probable cause to indict member of La Paz Police Station who allegedly allowed Refugio to go freely.
Silla claimed that responding policemen has no personal knowledge on the incident. As such, they could not arrest Refugio.
As this developed, the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS) is yet to release its recommendation whether to concur or deviate from PIAS’ recommendations.
Whatever RIAS’ recommendations are, it is still up to PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas to approve or disapprove it.
