In San Joaquin, a timber worker was beaten to death by Barangay officials
BEATEN TO DEATH? – A timber worker identified as Policarpio Sarmiento was brutally beaten to death by three individuals in a tragic incident that took place in San Joaquin, Iloilo.
The suspects were identified as Raffy Namogot, the SK chairman, Elmer Segurigan, the Chief Tanod, and Alvin Gausit, a resident of Barangay Igcadlum. The incident took place around 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023.
According to the investigation conducted by Police Corporal Brendon Chicano from the San Joaquin Municipal Police Station, prior to the assault, Sarmiento and Vicente Namogot were cutting timber in Barangay Languanan. Later that evening, they decided to have a drinking session at Chairman Namogot’s house in Barangay Igcadlum.
During the session, a dispute arose when Sarmiento allegedly took Chairman Namogot’s cellphone. Chairman Namogot sought help from Segurigan, leading to a scuffle that turned into a violent beating involving Gausit, Chairman Namogot, and Segurigan, ultimately resulting in Sarmiento’s death.
A witness promptly reported the incident, bringing an end to the commotion. Sadly, Sarmiento was left unattended and laid to rest on a bench inside a hut. The following morning, it was discovered that Sarmiento had not awakened, and attempts to rouse him were unsuccessful. They decided to transport him to Barangay Lawigan, but upon examination, they noticed significant injuries to his head, including discoloration, swelling, and bruises.
Sarmiento was then taken to the Pedro Trono District Hospital in Guimbal and later transferred to the Western Visayas Medical Center. However, despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead during treatment on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at around 3:30 p.m. Currently, the suspects remain at large, and the Sarmiento family is determined to file charges against them, seeking justice for the tragic loss of their loved one.
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