Errant cop returns to work "remorseful"

CEBU, Philippines – PO2 Rodelo Pilapil Jr., who caused trouble on board a Leyte-bound ship last Oct. 6 by taking off his pants and waving his gun, apologized to Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Erson Digal yesterday morning.

Pilapil returned to work last Monday. He was taken out of his previous assignment in Medellin and is now with the Provincial Security Service Group (PSSG).

His issued firearm is still at the fiscal's office.

"Naghilak intawn siya nga nangayo siya og pasaylo nako sa iyang gibuhat tanan," Digal told reporters. (He was crying while asking for apology.)

Pilapil is a resident of Liloan. He was arrested at the terminal in Isabel, Leyte when the ship docked, after the crew of Malverick Ferry asked for help from the Pingag Patrol Base.

Pilapil yesterday admitted he had something to drink at that time, although he stressed he was not drunk.

He is willing to submit himself for further investigation.

"Mouli na unta ko sa balay pero niadto ko'g Danao kay naa ra koy gihatod sa barko pero dili pud ko ingon hubog, nakainom lang gamay. Dili pud tinuod nga nawagtangan ko sa panimuot," he said, adding that his family is suffering from the adverse impact of what he did.

The arresting officers confiscated his 9mm caliber pistol with 12 rounds of live ammunitions, as well as another round of live ammunitions of caliber .45 pistol.

Supt. Bonifacio Arresgado, Medellin chief of police, was surprised after receiving a call from Pilapil that he was detained in Isabel, Leyte.

Also yesterday, Pilapil denied the allegation of a barangay captain that he and a colleague asked money from the barangay leader.

The money was supposedly in return for the barangay official's release after he was "caught sniffing illegal drugs" inside his car in Mandaue City early this year.

Pilapil is facing charges for violating the election gun ban as he was not wearing his uniform when he was showing his gun on board the ship.

Digal said he may also face an administrative case and be charged for alarm and scandal. (FREEMAN)