ROOKIE COP ARRESTED FOR FIRING SERVICE GUN IN TARLAC

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga —  A 26-year-old police patrolman late Tuesday night was arrested after allegedly firing his service firearm into the air during an argument with his father over a family land dispute in Victoria, Tarlac.

The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said the incident occurred on Sept. 22 at Rigor Compound in Bgy. San Nicolas, Victoria.

Initial investigation showed that the patrolman, assigned to the Angeles City Police Station, was allegedly drunk when he figured in an argument with his father.

During the altercation, the police officer allegedly drew his PNP-issued firearm and fired one shot into the air, prompting residents to alert authorities.

Responding personnel of the Victoria Municipal Police Station immediately arrested the officer and recovered a fired cartridge case. His issued firearm was also confiscated.

The patrolman remains in the custody of the Victoria MPS while authorities prepare the necessary documents for the filing of appropriate criminal and administrative charges.

Requests for ballistic examination and paraffin testing are also being processed as part of the investigation.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez stressed that police personnel are not exempt from accountability when they are accused of violating the law.

“The uniform does not place anyone above the law,” Mendez said, adding that police units are expected to act promptly and follow established procedures whenever their personnel are involved in alleged violations.

He said due process would be observed, but misconduct that could endanger the public or undermine the integrity of the police organization would not be ignored.

“By acting on these cases without exception, we also show our communities that accountability applies within our own ranks and that their trust in the police must be protected,” Mendez said.

The PRO3 action is in line with the PNP Focused Agenda of  PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., which includes strengthening police operations, integrity and accountability within the organization.

Mendez said PRO3 would continue to enhance supervision and discipline among its personnel.

“We enforce the law every day, so we must also be the first to respect it. Internal cleansing begins with holding our own personnel accountable for their actions,” he said.

PRO3 assured the public that the appropriate criminal and administrative proceedings would continue based on the results of the investigation.