Internal affairs to probe ‘police brutality’ in Sapian

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The office of the Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) will investigate the alleged brutality committed by a police officer against a civilian several days ago.

Police Lt. Col. Erwin Margarejo, Capiz Police Provincial Office (CPPO) PIAS chief, said he is awaiting the complaint of Joelito Diestro of Brgy. Damayan Sapian, Capiz against Master Sgt. Allan Occeño of Sapian Municipal Police Station.

Margarejo personally visited Diestro at the hospital where he was confined after Occeño allegedly manhandled him.

The police official also went to Sapian police station and verified the alleged incident.

But Occeño vehemently denied the accusations against him.

Margarejo said they are also waiting for the results of the medical examination on Diestro before he could recommend Occeño’s relief from Sapian to prevent him from influencing the investigation.

Jovelyn Diestro sought police assistance after her husband Joelito created trouble in their village due to a misunderstanding.

But according to the wife, instead of pacifying them, Occeño allegedly berated Joelito. Not contented, the police officer punched her husband.

The wife further alleged that Occeño mauled her husband at the police station. She also claimed that the police officer was allegedly drunk during the incident.