GPD not releasing names of cops on duty during Patao assault

The Guam Police Department has said that since the alleged assault of Veronica Patao now is under investigation, GPD cannot release the names of the officer who is accused of slamming a table into the breasts of the 65 year old woman, or the other officers present in the precinct.

Last Thursday, Ms. Patao and her husband, military veteran John Patao visited the precinct to follow up on an assault complaint they had made against another person earlier in the week. Instead, the Pataos were arrested; an officer “Pangelinan” telling them the other person made an assault complaint against them.

According to both Pataos, Mr. Pangelinan tried to force them to sign a paper they both could not read without their glasses, and which he allegedly refused to expain to them the contents. They were held in separate rooms inside the Dededo police precinct.

Ms. Patao is a cancer patient, and also suffers heart issues and seizures. She said she informed this police officer about her health issues, when he informed her of her arrest. She asked him if she could at least retrieve and take her medication in the car.

Following the alleged police assault, Ms. Patao had a seizure in the interview room. Mr. Patao, who was held in an adjacent room, said he heard her fall on the floor and the gurgling sound she makes when she has a seizure. He also said other officers were around and could hear everything going on.

None of the officers did anything for close to half an hour, when one of them finally called medics to help Ms. Patao.

The Pataos said his name badge read “Pangelinan.”

The couple identified the police officer later, but GPD will not confirm the information, nor will the department confirm to the media whether this officer was listed on duty according to GPD’s public shift roster.

“Due to the ongoing investigation, I am not able to confirm or release any further information,” GPD spokeswoman Berlyn Savella said adding, “[in order] to protect the integrity of the due process right of the employee and the investigation.”

Acting police chief Joe Carbullido ordered an internal affairs investigation.

Attorney General Douglas Moylan also confirmed his office is reviewing the matter.