By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two men were charged for allegedly assaulting police officers shortly after midnight on January 1, 2025 in Jamindan, Capiz.
Joah Villasis, 24, and Mark Jason Cano, 22, both residents of Barangay Esperanza, were reportedly intoxicated when the incident occurred.
Lieutenant Liberato Cagampang Jr., Jamindan police chief, said charges of direct assault upon a person in authority and disobedience or resisting arrest were filed against the suspects on January 2.
Villasis also faces an additional charge of reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury.
Villasis, a tricycle driver, was allegedly hired by a neighbor to bring them to the town proper after a family member was involved in a vehicular accident. Cano accompanied them.
The altercation happened shortly after the town’s fireworks display had ended.
Corporal Apolonio Jonnel Llait Jr. and Staff Sergeant Ezequias Villeza were returning to the police station when Villasis’s tricycle hit Llait.
Llait fell to the ground but sustained no major injuries.
The officer asked Villasis for his driver’s license and vehicle registration and instructed him to go to the police station.
On the way to the station, Villasis reportedly resisted.
When Villeza intervened to assist, Cano allegedly kicked and punched him, sparking a commotion.
Bystanders eventually came to the officers’ aid, and additional police personnel stepped in to subdue the suspects.
The two men, who were reportedly intoxicated, were eventually detained.
As of Friday, Villasis and Cano had not yet posted bail.
