
ONE OF the most talked-about stories in Bacolod City is the alleged mauling of a civilian in front of two policemen inside a billiards hall along Rosario Street two weeks ago.
The suspect reportedly claimed to be a life partner of a city councilor.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, in a press conference held Monday, July 21, had little choice but to acknowledge this “distasteful story,” which led to the relief of three policemen, including Police Major Francis Depasucat, the then-commander of Bacolod Police Station 1.
The police blotter didn’t identify the suspect by name. However, the incident sparked public intrigue — especially after Bacolod City Police Office Director Colonel Joeresty Coronica issued relief orders against the three officers: two who served as witnesses yet reportedly acted like “bulag, pipi, at bingi” (blind, mute, and deaf), and Depasucat, who was relieved for command responsibility.
‘Motionless’ and ‘Heartless’
The two officers are now reassigned to the Police Regional Office 6 in Iloilo City. They can no longer be interviewed to explain why they froze like “statues” during the violent incident.
But talk from coffee shops, barbershops, markets, and other public spaces suggests a chilling reason: the suspect allegedly told them, “Partner ko ni Pao Sy!”
That single line, it seems, rendered the officers motionless. Which begs the question: Where is Councilor Pao Sy, the chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Police, Jail, and Fire? She must address and clarify this.
For three weeks now, Sy has seemingly become silent.
Sy must also be clear about her obligations — as a public official, as a city councilor, and most of all, as the head of the police committee.
The silence is not just deafening. It is intolerable.
Mayor’s Suggestions
Mayor Greg has since laid out the following courses of action:
* The victim must file criminal charges against the suspect.
* The victim may also, if willing, file an administrative complaint with the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) against the two policemen who failed to intervene.
* The Sangguniang Panlungsod must initiate a motu proprio investigation.
Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella has promised to speak with Sy first and then consult the entire council on what action to take.
A good move by both the mayor and vice mayor — leaders now unfairly dragged into this controversy.
‘Delicadeza’
Councilor Sy must now reflect on one simple word: delicadeza.
She is duty-bound to speak up — not only on behalf of herself but also in her capacity as chair of the committee on police affairs.
In Filipino culture, delicadeza is the deep sense of decency, ethical behavior, and propriety expected of those in public office.
Sy cannot hide behind silence, nor claim immunity from scrutiny.
The controversy is now spilling over into Bacolod’s Filipino-Chinese business community. The Sy family is long known for their respectability.
The public is watching. The public is waiting. And the public is demanding to know what the city will do./PN