Cop lands in jail for pointing gun at civilian

CEBU, Philippines – A policeman detailed at the Cebu City Mobile Group landed in jail after he allegedly mauled and pointed a gun at a civilian at the open plaza of Mango Square Mall dawn yesterday.

No less than the supposed victim, a certain William Go, placed PO3 Arturo Lawas under citizen’s arrest when he managed to “overpower” the cop.

A witness told the police both Go and Lawas were reportedly drunk and engaged in a verbal tussle when the policeman pulled out his gun and pointed the same at Go. Lawas then started kicking Go when the latter tried to take the gun from him.

Go eventually managed to overpower Lawas and arrested him and turned him and his gun over to members of the Mobile Patrol Group who were patrolling the area.

As of yesterday, Lawas was detained at the Fuente Police Station.

Chief Insp. Arnel Banzon, chief of the Fuente Police, said Lawas is facing charges for violating the Comelec gun ban. They would also coordinate with the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of the Cebu City Police Office for the possible filing of an administrative case against Lawas.

Meanwhile, CCPO Director Patrocinio Comendador said Go is reportedly not cooperating with the police on the filing of criminal charges against Lawas, but just the same, the policeman could not get away from violating the gun ban.

Comendador said he has also instructed Banzon to establish evidence for the filing of the administrative case against Lawas.

Lawas was dismissed from police service last year in relation to the child abuse case filed against him, but he was eventually reinstated after his appeal was granted.

Comendador said Lawas would still be assigned at the CCMG upon his release. — Niña G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)