Cop accused of using firearm while not in official uniform

CEBU, Philippines - Seven fishermen filed a complaint with the Provincial Internal Affairs Service against a policeman who alleged carried a gun even in civilian clothes last March 13.

Fishermen who filed a complaint were Eduardo Garciano, Ricardo Avelino, Leo Mercadal, Shem Basarte, Randy Nudalo, Alejandro Gonzaga and Thomy Basarte, all residents of Poro, Camotes.

Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Erson Digal said the complainants were fishing off Barangay Paz in Poro, Camotes around 9am on March 13 when PO1 Jose Florentino reportedly arrived on a pump boat with his father, Emeterio, a bantay dagat employee, and told the complainants to stop fishing at the area.

Florentino is assigned at the San Francisco Police Station.

Digal said the fishermen stopped fishing out of fear because, despite not in uniform, Florentino allegedly pointed his M-16 riffle to them. They claimed Florentino was outside his jurisdiction, thus, did not have the authority to prohibit them from fishing at the area. They said they were also using fishing nets approved by the Municipality of Poro.

The fishermen said they were not able to file the complaint right away, as they were busy. They filed a formal complaint only yesterday.

Digal said that PIAS investigation, he also directed the Provincial Intelligence Division and Management Branch headed by Chief Insp. Ruben Cuizon to conduct a parallel investigation into the incident.

Florentino may face administrative and criminal charges if he would be proven to have used his gun while not in official uniform. He is also facing possible charges for violating the Comelec gun ban.

Florentino chose not to comment on the issue and would just wait for the results of the investigation.

Dawn the other day, another 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.

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.

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. - Niña G. Sumacot, Gabriel C. Bonjoc and Mylen P. Manto and Mellanie Joy C. Rosales (THE FREEMAN)