Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet – PBGEN R’win S Pagkalinawan, PROCOR Regional Director condemned in the strongest term the mauling of rookie cop by an elected official of Dolores, Abra.
Elected Sangguniang Bayan Member Russ Zapata along with his companions allegedly attacked Pat Lowie Gie G. Itchon and took away his issued firearm after the latter reminded them of curfew hours.
Based on the official report of Abra PPO, on the night of January 1, 2021, Pat Phoebe M Chumanao was driving her motorcycle along Poblacion, Dolores when she heard somebody shout at her prompting her to return, then she saw two male persons, one of them was identified as SB member Russ Zapata. Pat Chumanao reminded them that the curfew hour is from 9:00 PM to 4:00 AM but instead SB member Russ Zapata challenged Pat Chumanao pointing his finger at her. Pat Chumanao left the place and returned to the Dolores MPS.
Later that night, Pat Lowie Gie G. Itchon and Pat Phoebe M. Chumanao while conducting mobile patrol, saw the group of Russ Zapata at the Piddi “pancitan” and reminded them again of the curfew hours. Instead of going home, Russ Zapata immediately attacked Pat Itchon with the aid of Jaja Turqueza and their other companions, held his two arms tightly behind while punching his face and other parts of his body. At the same time, one Jong Jong Turqueza forcibly grabbed the issued short firearm from the holster of Pat Itchon and took it away.
As a result of their attack, Pat Itchon sustained scratches on his eyebrow, had swollen cheek and chest pains.
“We will not allow these things to happen, especially to our personnel who are working hard to keep our community safe”, PBGen. Pagkalinawan added.
Further, PBGen Pagkalinawan said that the Provincial Director of Abra was already instructed to conduct an impartial investigation on the matter. The Legal Service of PROCOR was also mobilized to provide legal assistance to Abra PPO for the filing of appropriate charges against Mr. Zapata and his companions. (PROCOR PIO)