2 policemen face probe for gun-toting incident in Toledo

CEBU, Philippines - Two policemen are in hot water for the gun-toting incident onboard a Corominas bus on Monday evening in Barangay Poblacion, Toledo City.

PO1 Carlos Barcenas is facing investigation for allegedly poking his caliber .45 service firearm on SPO1 Jose Hoyohoy who happened to be one of the passengers of the bus from Cebu City to Tuburan town.

Toledo City Police desk officer SPO2 Carmelito Hornales will also be investigated for failing to record the incident in the police blotter saying he was about to go home that time.

Atty. Julius Ompad, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch, said both policemen committed lapses in their duties.

“If police are to respond an incident, whether negative or positive ang lakaw, it should be put into records,” Ompad told The FREEMAN.

Yesterday, Hoyohoy was asked to submit his affidavit on the circumstances pertaining to the incident while Barcenas and Hornales were also told to submit their explanation regarding the incident.

Barcenas was reportedly onboard a motorcycle together with his two friends and were allegedly on the wrong lane where the bus was.

Richard Macapaz, the bus helper, shouted and told him to get off their lane so they could proceed and get away from the traffic.

Barcenas, who was allegedly under the influence of liquor, got mad and went inside the bus.

He reportedly pulled out the gun tucked in his waist and aimed it at Macapaz.

Hoyohoy saw what happened and tried to stop Barcenas who even claimed, “unsa man diay kun pulis ka nga pulis man sab ko?”

The scene caused fear among the passengers who scampered towards the driver while others disembarked from the bus and rode another vehicle.

Hoyohoy was able to hold Barcenas as Macapaz took the gun from the latter.

As of yesterday, Barcenas has not yet reported to the Ronda Police Station which was his new post after being formerly assigned to the Regional Public Safety Battalion in Sibonga for three years.

On the case of Hornales, the desk officer failed to blotter the incident after both cops reached an amicable settlement. The desk officer said he is willing to face the investigation.

Hornales, who just got off-duty at that time, admitted that he forgot to inform incoming duty officer SPO4 Gil Lastimosa.

He added that no complainants appeared at their office yesterday to file a case. (FREEMAN)