Three police officers, including the commander of Police Station 1, were relieved from their posts after a man was allegedly mauled in the presence of two responding cops along Gonzaga Street in Bacolod City early Wednesday morning, July 9.
Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director Col. Joeresty Coronica confirmed that PS1 commander Capt. Francis Depasucat and two other officers were temporarily reassigned to the BCPO headquarters due to apparent negligence of duty.
According to initial reports, the incident began when the victim shouted at someone, but the suspect, believing the shout was directed at him, confronted the victim.
The suspect allegedly pulled out a gun, prompting the victim to run toward a nearby police patrol car and seek help.
However, when the officers accompanied the victim back to the suspect, the latter allegedly attacked and mauled him in front of the police officers.
“It is an insult to the police that a crime is being committed right before our eyes,” Coronica said, adding that the two officers may be reassigned to the Police Regional Office of the Negros Island Region.
Depasucat’s relief was due to command responsibility, Coronica said.
He stressed that this should serve as a lesson to all personnel under BCPO, saying “There is a mandate that must be performed, and that includes protecting the public.”
Witnesses claim the suspect who mauled the victim and brandished a firearm is allegedly the husband of a local political figure.
The victim is now preparing to file charges against the suspect.*