Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has ordered the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to conduct an impartial and comprehensive investigation into the alleged altercation between a city councilor and a member of the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO).
Benitez said BCPO director, Colonel Noel Aliño would be required to submit the result of the investigation once completed.
The mayor said BTAO job order worker, Abner Salvallon, filed a blotter report before Police Station 8, stating that Councilor Al Victor Espino allegedly confronted him at the BTAO office on Wednesday, October 18.
Salvallon claimed that Espino went to their office around 5:30 p.m. on that day, and allegedly shouted at him.
He also claimed that the councilor allegedly threatened him while lifting his shirt to show his firearm.
Salvallon said the alleged altercation was witnessed by other BTAO personnel.
Meanwhile, BTAO head, Police Major Junjie Liba said Salvallon is eyeing filing charges against the councilor before the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Liba said Espino went to the BTAO office to clarify the apprehension of two students for not wearing helmets onboard a motorcycle.
The students were penalized, and the motorcycle was impounded for lack of documents.
They allegedly took the impounded motorcycle without paying for a penalty, and sought the help of their friend, who also asked for Espino’s assistance.
For his part, Espino denied that he threatened Salvallon.
He claimed that his friend’s nephew, who borrowed his motorcycle, was allegedly arrested by BTAO.
“He called me because his nephew was detained by BTAO,” Espino said.
When his nephew’s friend arrived at the BCPO, a personnel allegedly approached him and told him to pay P1,500 for the release of his motorcycle.
Espino said his friend paid P1,500 and took his motorcycle.
He added that someone allegedly threatened him that the BTAO head would file carnapping charges for taking the unit without paying the penalty.
The student returned to BTAO and he was detained.
“I encourage them to file a case because I will respond accordingly,” Espino said.
Espino believes there is corruption at the BTAO./WDJ