Tanod who shot girl faces raps

Acting Cebu City Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador wants the Homicide Section to file charges for violation of the Commission on Elections gun ban against a barangay tanod who accidentally shot a girl while responding to a commotion inside a benefit dance in Inayawan last Sunday dawn.

The victim, a 15-year-old girl, alleged that she attended the benefit dance last Sunday when a commotion occurred. Inayawan barangay tanod Aniceto Abendan, 53, responded to the incident and fired a warning shot, accidentally hitting her right foot.

The girl was immediately rushed to the Cebu City Medical Center while Abendan surrendered to the responding policemen of the Mobile Patrol Group. He allegedly admitted to have fired a gun and accidentally hit the victim.

During his surrender the policemen failed to recover his gun and did not file charges against Abendan after he offered to shoulder the girl's hospital expenses.

However, Comendador said that he already ordered the Homicide Section to file charges against the suspect and investigate possible procedural lapses in the investigation.

He adds that it was already enough basis to charge Abendan in court for frustrated homicide and other charges when he admitted to have fired his gun and hit someone.

Barangay tanods are not allowed to carry guns. - Flor Z. Perolina/BRP