By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A police officer was arrested after he allegedly mauled and pointed a gun at six people on Good Friday in Barangay Dancalan, located in Ilog, Negros Occidental.

Police identified the suspect as Patrolman John Reymel Bagatela, a resident of the said barangay who is assigned to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).

Based on information forwarded by the Ilog Municipal Police Station, around 11:20 p.m., they received a phone call from a concerned citizen regarding a disturbance in the area.

Local police immediately responded and found the suspect had reportedly pointed his firearm at six individuals during the mauling, which prompted the arrest.

The victims were identified as 22-year-old Ritchie Gerasmia, 22-year-old Jake Amen, 18-year-old Justine Karl Gecosala, 18-year-old John Carlo Yap, and two 17-year-old minors.

Following the incident, BCPO officer-in-charge, Police Colonel Henry Biñas, ordered Bagatela’s relief yesterday morning.

The officer in question is presently detained at Ilog Municipal Police Station and may face assault charges.

He is also due to be transferred to the Regional Police Holding and Accounting Unit in Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City./DGB, WDJ