SAN Nicolas Mayor Lester De Sagun and three local police officers are facing severe allegations following the reported assault and unlawful detention of a 33-year-old local fisherman, Jeric Mateo.
According to complaints filed regarding the incident, Mateo was allegedly beaten after being accused of stealing copper wire from a truck linked to Mayor De Sagun.
Following his arrest by San Nicolas MPS police officers, Mateo claimed he was also subjected to an attempt to frame him on fabricated drug charges.
Mateo has since been released after the preliminary investigation by the prosecutor’s office questioned the validity and strength of the evidence presented against him.
The incident gained national attention after being featured on Senator Erwin Tulfo’s Tutok Tulfo program, where the lawmaker personally visited Mayor De Sagun’s office in Batangas to address the issue.
The case has been elevated to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to examine potential civil rights violations and abuse of authority.
Concurrently, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) is expected to investigate the San Nicolas Municipal Police Station and the three arresting officers over the origin of the illegal drugs presented as evidence.
Attention has also turned to testimonies surrounding the event, including details provided by Mateo’s seven-year-old child, who reportedly witnessed part of the incident.
Addressing the controversy, PMaj. Aldrin Baysa, Chief of Police of the San Nicolas Municipal Police Station, assured that authorities are conducting a thorough internal investigation and will hold any officers accountable if wrongdoing is established.
The allegations have sparked widespread outrage among local residents and netizens online, who called for strict accountability and stressed that public office and police uniforms must never be weaponized against vulnerable citizens.
Attempts to reach Mayor De Sagun for a formal response to the allegations remain ongoing.
PulisReporter.com remains open to any statement from Mayor De Sagun regarding the incident and will provide space for his side on our news website.
