THE policeman from the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) accused of beating his common-law wife has been relieved from his post and may face dismissal from service.
Cocpo spokesperson Chief Inspector Mardy Hortillosa II said Senior Inspector Stephen Latar, who was assigned at the City Public Safety Company, was relieved effective Tuesday, May 16, and will be made to report to the City Holding and Accounting Unit (CHAU) where he will be on floating status.
Hortillosa also said the women's desk of Police Station 8 in Lumbia village pressed charges for the policeman’s alleged violation of the Anti-violence against women and children Act of 2004 (RA 9262).
Latar was charged before the City Prosecutor’s Office Wednesday, May 17.
"Na file na sa fiscal's office ug maghulat pa ta sa decision kung makita-an ba og probable cause para masang-at sa korte," Hortillosa said.
Latar is accused of beating his 30-year-old common-law wife who resides at a subdivision in Grand Europa.
The photos of a bruised woman said to be Latar’s partner has gone viral in the social networking site Facebook.
"Ang balay sa Grand Europa sa baye daw to unya sa akong nahibaw-an live in sila," Hortillosa said.
The police official declined to name the victim as part of police protocol for VAWC cases.
Once the prosecutor's office finds probable cause to elevate the case to the court, Hortillosa said the administrative case against Latar will follow.
He said Latar may face grave misconduct and may be booted out from the police service.
"Depende pa gyud posible nga grave misconduct or misconduct lang. Kung grave misconduct possible dismissal iyang atubangon pero kung misconduct lang pinakadugan nga suspension 15 days,"Hortillosa said.
Hortillosa said Latar has to report to CHAU while waiting for the prosecutor's decision.
"Mo-report gihapon siya kay ingon ani gina-monitor gihapon siya aron dili siya kasamok sa babaye," the chief inspector said.
