Bohol Police Chief and Three Officers Relieved Following Assault Allegations
In a serious development in Bohol, the chief of the Sevilla Municipal Police Station, along with three of his subordinates, has been relieved of duty. This action comes after they were accused of assaulting a barangay councilor from Barangay Ewon on February 10, 2026. The incident has sparked an internal investigation and raised concerns about police conduct in the region.
Details of the Alleged Assault Incident
According to Barangay Councilor Eric Gumanoy, the incident occurred at 11:00 PM on February 10, 2026. He was at his hut after tending to his cattle due to rain when several men, identifying themselves as police officers, knocked on his door. They allegedly forced him to come down to talk in the dark, but he refused out of fear.
When he did not comply, Gumanoy claims he was punched in the stomach. He attempted to run to a neighbor's house to seek help, but the officers reportedly dragged him and took him to the police station. This account has gained traction with the release of CCTV footage, which has been uploaded to social media and appears to positively identify the four officers involved.
Identification and Denial from Police Authorities
The CCTV footage clearly shows the four police officers: a Police Captain who serves as the station chief, two Police Master Sergeants, and a Police Patrolman. In response to the allegations, Police Major Rey Olar, the information officer for the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO), stated that the chief has denied the accusations.
Olar cited the police blotter, which indicates that a legitimate buy-bust operation was conducted against Gumanoy at 2:00 AM on February 11, 2026. However, the footage from February 10 at 11:00 PM shows the alleged abuse, providing a basis for the ongoing investigation by the Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS).
Background and Immediate Actions Taken
It has also been revealed that Gumanoy was previously involved in illegal drug activities during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte and has since surrendered himself. Despite this background, the seriousness of the assault allegations prompted swift action from higher authorities.
Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the chief of PRO 7, ordered the immediate relief of the four officers to prevent any potential influence on the investigation. They have been transferred to the Regional Personnel Holding and Admin Unit (RPHAU) in Cebu, where they will remain pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The case highlights ongoing issues with police accountability and internal oversight in the Philippines. As the investigation progresses, further updates are expected to shed light on the veracity of the claims and any disciplinary measures that may follow.
