The man who allegedly pointed a gun and mauled a civilian in front of police officers in Bacolod City has been charged, while three police officers, including a station commander, remain under investigation for apparent inaction during the incident.
Col. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod police director, confirmed during a press conference on Wednesday, July 16, that the suspect has been charged with grave threats and slight physical injuries at the City Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges stem from a confrontation along Gonzaga Street in Brgy. 27, in the early morning of July 9.
The incident began when the victim reportedly shouted at someone else, but the suspect, thinking it was directed at him, confronted the victim.
The suspect allegedly drew a firearm, prompting the victim to seek help from police officers nearby.
However, when the officers brought the victim back to the suspect, the latter allegedly mauled the victim in their presence.
The two police officers who responded but allegedly failed to stop the assault have since been reassigned to the Police Regional Office of the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) since July 10.
Police Station 1 commander Capt. Francis Depasucat, meanwhile, was relieved under the principle of command responsibility and is still awaiting a decision on whether he will return to his post.
“Once that boundary is crossed, you are obliged to act regardless of who is involved,” Coronica told the policemen involved.
He warned that if the officers are found guilty of neglect of duty, and the offense is classified as grave, penalties may range from suspension to dismissal from service.
For medium classification, the penalty could be demotion.*