Despite being pilloried by the public for displaying conduct unbecoming of a police officer, Police Inspector Lamberto Hibaya, Officer in Charge, Chief of the Cortes Police Station maintained his haughty and arrogant demeanor over the air waves.

Hibaya’s discourteous manner in handling a simple query from DYRD “Tagbilaran by Night” anchors Allen Doydora and Rey Tutas turned into public outrage after he berated the two for putting the Cortes Police in an embarrassing situation.

Bohol Provincial Police Director Police Senior Superintendent Dennis Palo Agustin upon learning of the incident immediately ordered Police Senior Inspector Roland Desiree Lavisto, Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) Administrative Officer to secure a copy of the audio files from DYRD.

Lavisto personally went to the station and told DYRD “Inyong Alagad” that the audio file will serve as the basis for a pre-charge investigation against Hibaya.

For his part, BPPO information officer, Police Superintendent Ricky Deliles, when informed about the disrespectful manners of Hibaya said “we will not tolerate this alleged rude manner of a police officer. We will hear his side and impose disciplinary action if found at fault”.

A routine inquiry to verify a rape report by Doydora and Tutas was coursed to the Cortes Police Station on Wednesday evening, May 25, 2016. There was no answer from the landlines nor the cellphones of the police office prompting the radio technician to seek the assistance of the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO).

The BPPO gave a cellphone number that turned out to be assigned to Hibaya who at that time was asleep at the police station when Doydora and Tutas made the call.

Arose from his sleep by fellow police officers, Hibaya resented alleged statements of the anchormen that calls were not answered by his men and started raising his voice and criticized them for insinuating that he was under the influence of alcohol.

Callers started airing their disgust over the egregious behavior of Hibaya who launched into a tirade against the anchormen on the manner radio interviews should be conducted with public officials.

Not satisfied, Hibaya continued to rant against the anchormen of DYRD “Inyong Alagad” on Thursday, May 26, 2016 and threatened the station with legal action over attempts to tamper the audio file of his radio interview.

Callers vented their disgust and disappointment over the inappropriate behavior of Hibaya that has undermined the trust and confidence of the police mandated to serve and protect the public. (Chito M. Visarra)