By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Barotac Nuevo Municipal Police Station has decided not to file legal action against a teacher who falsely accused one of its officers of being drunk while on duty.
Lt. Johnny Bundac, Barotac Nuevo deputy police chief, said they resolved the issue after John Rey Decipulo Enoy issued a public apology.
“We demanded a public apology, and Mr. Enoy already gave one, so we’re good with it,” Bundac said.
The conflict began when Enoy accused a Barotac Nuevo police officer of being under the influence of alcohol during a response to a public disturbance.
Enoy, a teacher from St. Paul School-Barotac Nuevo, was reportedly drinking during the town’s food festival held at the plaza.
On his Facebook account, Enoy questioned how a policeman could earn respect if he was drunk.
In response, the Barotac Nuevo police released a statement denying the “baseless and malicious accusation.”
They explained that their officers responded to a valid public concern involving an adult male drinking with several minors in a public place around 2 a.m.
Police said the officers confronted the group to ensure safety, uphold public order, and remind them of legal and community standards.
“It is deeply concerning that instead of cooperating, the said teacher resorted to defamation on social media, spreading false information that unjustly discredits our personnel,” the statement said.
The police added that this deflected attention from the real issue: a teacher engaging in questionable behavior with minors.
The station’s leadership said it stood firmly behind the officer’s conduct, describing him as professional and committed despite provocation and misrepresentation.
“We take defamatory acts seriously and reserve our legal rights under existing laws protecting public servants from false and malicious accusations,” it said.
As part of protecting the youth and maintaining public trust, the police demanded a public apology from Enoy.
They also urged the public to use social media responsibly and avoid statements that undermine public servants’ integrity.
Enoy later posted a public apology admitting the accusation was false.
“We already discussed what happened, and I acknowledge that the accusation was not true,” he wrote.
He apologized specifically to Officer Frank Bayona, whom he mentioned in the post.
“To all policemen of Barotac Nuevo PNP, I’m sorry for what happened,” he added.
“I have great respect for all of you, and I salute your service and dedication.”
