Politicians’ supporters disarm cops in San Dionisio
Tensions now grip San Dionisio town in Iloilo after supporters of a political family disarmed members of the local PNP.
Amid claims and counter-claims from the group of Vice Mayor Peter Paul Lopez, the PNP is apparently held bent on filing charges against them.
The brouhaha started at around 6:30 a.m. of Sunday after a concerned citizen informed San Dionisio Police Station that Brgy. Captain Eugenio Eusebio “Bebot” Lopez, who was allegedly armed with a handgun, allegedly accosted persons passing through hacienda road.
Eusebio, who is the brother of Peter Paul, is seeking the town’s mayoralty post against Larry Villanueva, son of incumbent mayor Pio Villanueva, and Dr. Edwin Fegura.
After receiving the information, five cops responded to the area to verify the report.
“So, ang tawo nga gapang-labay sa pihak kag pihak, gapalag na kay ginapangbanggaan niya (Eusebio). Wala kami kabalo kung ano ang ginapang-istorya niya. Nakita namon nga naka chaleco siya kag may armas nga ginataklos,” one of the cops said.
They allegedly approached Eusebio and “we even gave due courtesy to him since he is a barangay official.”
The cops then asked if the gun Eusebio possessed has a license.
Seconds later, Peter Paul approached and told the cops that their guns have licenses.
In response, the cops asked for the documents of the firearms.
“Amo na to nga ang mga tawo nila nga naka istambay, nag-guluwa na nga may armas na nga mga laba. Gintutukan kami. Si Kapitan Bebot mismo ang nagtutok sa amon kag si Vice. Ang mga civilian, ginpalapitan kami kag ginpang-agaw ang amon mga armas,” the cop added claiming that he held to his gun no matter what happened.
To avoid further tension, the cops decided to go back to the station and asked for reinforcement from Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director Senior Supt. Renato Gumban.
It was gathered that Gumban personally talked to the group of Peter Paul and Eusebio at around 12:45 p.m. of Sunday.
“Indi sila mag-pati sa taga mobile group kag sa San Donisio police, and that they wanted to talk to me personally,” Gumban said.
By 1:00 p.m., the Lopezes surrendered the caliber .35 pistol and the M-16 armalite rifle they took from the San Dionisio PNP.
Gumban also effected the arrest of barangay tanod Romiter Boga who was yielded with a firearm.
Boga faces charges for violation of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban, coercion, and obstruction of justice.
Further, Gumban said that they would also slap criminal charges against the two Lopez brothers and some of their supporters who were responsible for disarming the cops will be charged for coercion and obstruction of justice.
“They interrupted our personnel in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. That’s why, we will be filing a case for obstruction of justice against them,” the provincial police chief added.
Political biases
After the incident, Peter Paul told members of the tri-media that they were not intercepting residents who are passing their estate.
Instead, he claimed that his brother was just shaking hands at the people who are passing through their hacienda in going to Brgy. Mandu-awak.
“Gulpi lang ang mga pulis nag-abot kag nagpanita kag nagpanaya sang ila armas,” he alleged.
A grappling allegedly ocurred between the cops and their supporters.
It was at this grappling that their supporters got hold of the two guns of the police personnel.
He claimed that San Dionisio PNP is biased to the group of the Villanuevas.
Peter Paul also asked for the relief of some “biased” cops and police personnel who are deemed relatives of the incumbent mayor.
“I think we are not allowed by the PNP of San Dionisio to talk to our hacienda people. Gina-punggan kami. It’s a criminal offense. Ang aton gina-pulung-pulong sa tawo and was dispersed by unauthorized persons, that is a violation. Depende sa ila eh. Well, I think gina-gamit ang pulis,” he added.
No movement
If the Lopezes would like to ask for the relief of some San Dionisio cops, Gumban told them to put their request into writing.
As it is, Gumban said that there is no movement yet.
In reaction to what happened last Sunday, the IPPO decided to place policemen in the area.
Based on police blotters, Eusebio was complained for asking “toll fees” for people passing the area.
But Gumban said that the road has long been declared a barangay road, although it was sandwiched on the estate of the Lopezes.
No reason
Meanwhile, Mayor Villanueva declared that Eusebio has no right to ask for a toll fee for people who are passing through their property.
He claimed that if the Lopezes would go on asking for payment, he would fight them in court.
“Indi man ko ya kandidato. Pero ang gusto ko ‘ya nga magtawhay lang ni sa palaabuton nga eleksyon. Ti, pabay-an ‘ya ang tawo nga makapili sang ila kandidato,” Villanueva said.
