Two workers face direct assault charges in Capiz

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police filed direct assault charges Monday, July 27, against two construction workers accused of attacking an officer in Barangay Pawa, Panay.

Police Capt. Eric Deocampo, chief of the Panay Municipal Police Station, said the charges were filed with the Capiz Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Police identified the suspects as Jury Genoves, 32, and Tami Batan, 48, both residents of Barangay Pawa.

The officers involved were identified as Police Master Sgt. Laurence Arcangeles and Police Staff Sgt. Bryan Supe.

Investigators said the officers were returning to their station in a patrol vehicle after serving a subpoena in Barangay Buntod on Friday afternoon, July 24.

The officers stopped after seeing a motorcycle lying beside the road.

They later found the two suspects fighting inside a store, police said.

Arcangeles approached the men and tried to stop the fight.

Police alleged that Batan grabbed a chair and struck Arcangeles in the stomach.

Genoves allegedly drew a knife and confronted the officer.

Arcangeles and Supe disarmed Genoves and arrested both suspects.

The suspects were taken to the Panay Municipal Police Station for processing.

Direct assault under Philippine law generally involves the use of force or intimidation against a person in authority or an agent of authority while the person is performing official duties.