Charges vs Roxas City policeman withdrawn

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The administrative and criminal complaints against a police officer will not proceed after the two complainants executed affidavits of non-interest in filing the case.

Police Lt. Col. Francisco Paguia Jr., Roxas police chief, told the media on Monday, July 15, that he received affidavits of non-interest from Honeyboy Billoso and Don Arbolado, indicating they withdrew the blotter they previously recorded with the Roxas PNP.

The two stated that there was no gun-pointing or threatening incident on the evening of July 11, 2024, in Brgy. Bato involving Police Staff Sergeant Joemar Barrera, a non-commissioned police officer assigned to the Roxas City PNP and resident of Brgy. Bato.

The affidavits were corroborated by the store owner where the incident allegedly occurred, Paguia said.

It was learned that there was an amicable settlement and discussion between the police officer and Billoso and Arbolado after the incident.

Paguia has disarmed Barrera of his service firearm and temporarily reassigned him to the Capiz Provincial Police Office in Brgy. Lanot while the Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) conducts an investigation.

Paguia said the relief of Barrera was based on the complaints of Billoso, 44, a farmer and tricycle driver from Barangay Tanza Sur, Panay, Capiz, and Arbolado, 35, a collector at the Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center (TATC) from Barangay Mongpong.

According to Billoso, Barrera approached him while he was buying something at a store on Thursday evening, July 11, in Brgy. Bato.

He claimed the police officer took out his gun and pointed it at him, but the gun did not fire when he squeezed the trigger.

Arbolado, who was also present, said Barrera allegedly approached him while he was sitting on his motorcycle. The officer pointed his gun at him and squeezed the trigger, but again, the gun did not fire.

The two complainants left the scene and proceeded to the police station to report the conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

They also claimed that Barrera was drunk at the time.