Two cops in hot water for grave misconduct

CEBU, Philippines - Two policemen were placed under investigation for alleged grave misconduct. One will be subjected for summary dismissal proceeding after his firearm was recovered in the possession of a murder suspect while the other was accused of gun-totting.

Police Officer 3 Louie Alalim, assigned in Pilar Police Station, and PO3 Oliver Rondina of Compostela Police Station, will be administratively investigated on separate charges.

Alalim will be investigated after his service firearm was found in the possession of Ruben Delima, a member of the Barangay Intelligence Network.

Delima, a resident of Barangay Lagtang, Talisay City, was arrested for illegal possession of firearms last month. He was also suspected of killing chief security guard Rolando Rodrigo of Alpha Executive Homes in Barangay Lawaan I last December.

Delima was caught brandishing Alalim’s 9-millimeter Norinco pistol on December 19. The suspect was drunk when the police accosted him based on the complaints of the residents in their barangay.

Upon verification of the firearm’s record, it was found out that the gun belongs to Alalim.

Rondina on the other hand was relieved from Compostela and will be investigated for pointing a gun at three farm workers. He was temporarily reassigned at the Provincial Security Service Group pending investigation.

Based on the complaints filed by Gerardo Malabon, 39, Marcos Baco, 49, and Junrey Jayme Arenas, 31, laborers of Sunrise Game Farm in Compostela, Rondina was drunk when he pointed his gun at them. Rondina also handcuffed Malabon and Baco.

The incident happened in Barangay Tubigan, Compostela Monday evening while they were having a drinking session.

The victims complained to Compostela police chief Rodrigo Giangan who also reported the incident to Cebu Provincial Police Office director Erson Digal.

Digal immediately ordered Rondina’s relief and placed him under investigation. – (FREEMAN)