ILOILO – A police officer is under investigation. He is accused of pistol-whipping a man in Barangay P.D. Monfort South, Dumangas, Iloilo on Sunday, May 23.
Police Staff Sergeant Benjamin Gomez of Dumangas is an intelligence officer of the Tigbauan police station. He was relieved effective yesterday (May 25) and transferred to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
Jonathan Bucana of Barangay Calao, Dumangas claimed Gomez pistol-whipped him, hitting his abdomen around 8:30 a.m. on May 23.
According to Bucana, he was onboard his motorcycle when Gomez flagged him down.
A confrontation then ensued. A friend eventually came over to pacify them.
Gomez admitted hitting Bucana because the latter allegedly tried to grab his service firearm.
Gomez said he had a prior encounter with the Bucana (day before the incident). Gomez was with his relatives and children that time, he noted.
Bucana and his friends were allegedly drunk and began talking and “threatening” the police.
“Gina insulto nila ako sa mga tawo kag mga kabataan ko. Pero wala gid ako nag-react kay indi ako gusto mag ginamo sa damo tawo kag sa atobang sang mga kabataan ko. What we did was nagpuli na lang kami kag pagka aga ila ako ginpangita sa amon balay. Sang gin atobang ko sila kag nag pamangkot ano ila gusto, gin try ni Bucana agawon akon pusil amo ‘to nga na pistol-whip ko sia,” Gomez explained.
He said he is willing to face charges.
Gomez added that Bucana and his group were once involved in a murder case in the town.
“May pinatay na sila, amo ‘to nga alert man ako kay basi akon armas ang makapatay sa akon. Gusto ko maglikaw sang gamo pero gin pangita gid nila ako,” the police added.
Meanwhile, IPPO director, Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero said his office already launched an investigation.
“We will hear the explanation of our police to have a fair investigation,” Gorero said./PN
