RETIRED POLICE OFFICER CONVICTED FOR DIRECT ASSAULT AGAINST BARANGAY CAPTAIN DURING ROAD CLEARING OPERATION

 

Ozamiz City | via Bhal Cabrera | August 14, 2024

A retired police officer has been found guilty of direct assault against a person-in-authority after a violent confrontation with a barangay captain during a road clearing operation. The Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 2, under Presiding Judge Hon. Arnel D. Rempillo, sentenced Cesar Caibigan Balanon Sr., a former member of the PC/PNP, to two months and one day of imprisonment, alongside a fine of PHP 5,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in additional imprisonment.

The case, rooted in an August 15, 2022 incident, was filed by Ozamiz City Barangay Baybay Triunfo Chairman Benedicto Rosal Sr. According to the court's 18-page decision, Balanon, in a fit of rage, physically assaulted Chairman Rosal after being instructed to move his vehicle to clear road obstructions in line with the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) mandated road clearing operations.

Despite being aware that Rosal was performing his official duties, Balanon not only refused to comply but also attempted to strike the barangay captain. Witnesses reported that Balanon verbally harassed Rosal, challenging his authority and expressing disdain for the captain's enforcement of the law.

This case marks a significant legal precedent as Balanon is the first civilian to be convicted under the DILG's road clearing directives. The ruling reinforces the DILG's continued emphasis on the importance of compliance with public safety mandates and respect for duly elected officials tasked with enforcing them.

Benedicto Rosal, speaking to local media, highlighted Balanon's history of defying orders from barangay officials, describing him as a notorious figure in the community. The conviction serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of disrespecting public authorities, especially in the context of nationwide road clearing operations that aim to enhance public safety.

The DILG has previously warned that failure to comply with road clearing mandates could result in sanctions, including suspension and legal action against non-compliant officials. This case underscores the seriousness of those directives and the government's commitment to enforcing the law without exceptions.