Tourist driver to file case against Bohol cops

PANGLAO, Bohol—Police here said that the allegation of the tourist driver Jeffrey Galon Sarabia that he was beaten by a police using a baseball bat inside the police station was just a drama.

“Drama lang na niya para makakuha siya og simpatiya (It is his drama to get sympathy),” said PO1 Mark Yana, desk officer of the Panglao Police Station.

“During that time nakadungog man siya sa biktima kadtong taga DepEd staff nga eager mo-file og kaso against niya. Siguro naghimo-himo lang siya ana diversion or rason para para makuha ng simpatiya sa biktima (During that time, Sarabia heard that the victim who was a DepEd staff was eager to file a case against him. That’s why he made it, a diversion or reason to get sympathy from the victim),” Yana added.

Yana said Sarabia was a suspect in a case of theft based on their witnesses—the DepEd employees.

Sarabia, 36, a tourist driver, was with three employees of the Department of Education (DepEd) who went to Panglao Central School to conduct validation last Sept. 20 at past 4 p.m.

The victim (who asked for anonymity) said she left her bag at the vehicle parked near the town plaza. While waiting, Sarabia amused himself watching basketball at the town plaza that he forgot to lock the van.

After 30 minutes, when employees returned to the vehicle, they discovered that the things inside the van were scattered. One of the employees lost her P2,500 cash.

Sarabia admitted that it was his fault and told the employee that he will pay the P2,500 when they returned to Tagbilaran City. However, they decided to blotter the incident at the Panglao Police Station.

In a statement by the Panglao Police Station on Monday, it said the victim and her two other colleagues conducted inquiry in the area but a reliable source told them that Sarabia did not come down from the vehicle.

“At that time the victim confronted the driver suspecting that he was the one responsible in stealing her money. The commotion happened in the area and both were advised by the responding officers to settle their problem at (the) Panglao PNP station,” the statement said.

But the two DepEd employees said there was no commotion ever happened.

The statement added “at the station the victim narrated the incident and the same was recorded in the police blotter. Jeffrey’s name and the personal circumstances were taken for recording purposes. After the victim manifested that she was still undecided to pursue her complaint, the victim and the suspect left our office. That is why our office wonders on how it could happen that Jeffrey alleges that he was mauled while at Panglao Police station.”

Jeffrey Sarabia said he was beaten by a policeman using a baseball bat. 

However, the DepEd employees said they left for Tagbilaran and left Jeffrey at the police station since they were told by police that Sarabia had to stay for some interrogation.

“Ming-una mi og lakaw unya nagpabilin si Jeffrey sa police station. Wala nako kahibaw unsay nahitabo (We didn’t know what happened since we left him at the police station),” she said.

She also clarified she was not willing to file a complaint since she didn’t know who took her money.

Sarabia said he was brought by PO1 Heracleo Padillo Jr. to the second floor of the station. He was told to undress and he was beaten using a baseball bat in his left thigh that caused bruises.

According to Sarabia, another police who was not wearing his uniform, told him to admit that he stole the money.

“Ug dili nimo iuli ang kuwarta madugangan ang imong kaso, planteran ka nako og duha ka putos karun (If you will not return the money there will be another case against you since we can plant two pieces of (shabu) now,” said Sarabia who quoted the police.

Sarabia was diagnosed with hematoma or soft tissue contusion based on a medical certificate.

Yana insisted that there was no mauling happened. And for Sarabia’s bruise, he said Sarabia invented stories.

“Walay nahitabo nga pangbun-og ug pamunal kay diri raman sila sa lobby (No mauling happened because they were only at the lobby [of the police station]),” he said.

Sarabia said the incident was still rankling in his mind it had been six days since he was beaten.

“Wala ko namakak ug maggama-gama og estorya. Manghinaot ko mugawas ra ang kamatuoran para matagaan ang hustisya sa nahitabo nako (I didn’t lie or invent stories. I hope the truth will come out so that I can attain justice),” he said.

Sarabia said he will be filing charges against Padillo and three policemen this week.

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The treasures of James O

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The 49th birthday celebration of PNP Provincial Director Dennis Palo Agustin on November 5;

provincial board member Freda Olavides-Tirol also celebrated her birthday on Nov. 8.

Remembering Haiyan (Yolanda). It has been one year 

after super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit the Philippines on Nov. 8. 

Here are my random photos; each photo has a story to tell.

\ I personally took all these while I was in Leyte

 on Nov. 9, 2013. – LPU

Scene: Miss Silka Bohol 2014 Marian Grace Malubay is representing the province in Miss Silka Philippines on Nov. 9.

Scene: On the first year anniversary of super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda): No typhoon or flood can diminish the strength of the Filipino soul. No calamity or natural devastation can quench the fire of our hope. The Filipino soul is stronger than Yolanda. – Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma

Scene: I saw the last broadcast of GMA Cebu’s Balitang Bisdak last Friday. And I want to say what a privilege it has been to be part of the dynamic newsteam, to have the opportunity to report the news from Bohol to the world. Ingana ka buotan ang desk kay iapil jud basta naay dakung storya sa Bohol. Balitang Bisdak was our eyes and ears in pursuit of truthful and balanced news and stories that beg to be told for 15 years. People, watch out for "24Oras Central Visayas" on Monday, Nov. 10. As the saying goes, "Every goodbye is the birth of a memory.” Boholano talents in GMA Cebu are Reyn Nikko Sereno, Jude Montejo, Alan Domingo and Gew Sarabia Gulleban.

***

James Obedencio (center) with his talents: ‘Bohol is such a very nice place to showcase the talents of our fellow Boholanos in the field of modelling and fashion.’

Several years ago, I met James Obedencio when I covered the Manoeuvres, a popular all-male streetdance group in the 1990s, which was in town looking for a new member. The hopeful James was one of the contestants who tried his luck.

During the interview break, James came to me and introduced himself. 

I told him what a great performance he had that the Manoeuvres dancers were so impressed.

“Thank you,” he said, and I learned his ala-“Maalaala Mo Kaya” life story.

The next time I met James he became a super-volunteer of SK in Balilihan.

The next time I knew, James is now a talent manager in Bohol.

"Why in Bohol?” asked James, “Bohol is such a very nice place to showcase the talents of our fellow Boholanos in the field of modelling and fashion."  

According to James, the road to the industry is never easy. The handler or manager must be patient and open-minded.

Carlos Alfonso Cuerquis is joining 

this year’s Mr. Olive C.-LPU

“It's not so easy because joining in this kind of industry you should have an open mindset first, then to find someone who has a personality that suits, a positive attitude and a self-confidence.."

Does James have requirements?

"In an ideal world of modeling, models should be 6 feet tall with slender bodies,” explained James. “For me, there are no entry requirements as long as you have an excellent appearance, nice personality and oozing factor onstage.”

James’ talents are mostly student-aspiring models: Carlos Alfonso Cuerquiz, Ino Kristian Caballo, Renzo Miguel Racho, Michael Ferdinand Gamueda, Hannah Mae Cimeni, Maria Nina Therese Cimeni, Paulen Quinal, Rose Ann Putong, Danika Blaze Mondredondo, Flor Villasis, Louvan Joecor Riancho, Jeneiva Ybanez, Ernest Lee Tambis, Reianne Joshe Inno Ugboc, Jason Cababan, Ramon Felisilda, Red Balili, Norwin Rama and Ruel Duterte.

His treasures.

Does James practice favoritism?

“No,” smiled James, who is now among the very few lovable talent managers in town. He is easy to deal with and he makes his talents accessible to the press.

He doesn’t meddle in their private lives.

PD Dennis Agustin (7^th from left) on his 49th birthday 

celebration together with Panglao Mayor Nila Montero, Provincial Administrator

 Ae Damalerio, Sir Yape and other guests . Courtesy: Pinay Vera

“But I give advices. As long as there’s no conflict between their personal lives and their work, I don’t meddle.”

Like Carlos Alfonso Cuerquis, 5’7”, who is joining this year’s Mr. Olive C, was discovered by James.

“I know he has the potential,” said James. “He is into singing, guitar plucking, dancing, modelling and drawing.”

Carlos shared, “I read books in order to practice my speaking abilities. I eat plenty of nutritious food and drink vitamins for a healthy body and active mind.”

Carlos on James: “I trust my manager because he is there to help and give advices. The talent manager can help you build up your strength and help you improve your skills.”

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.