Cop who scared kids may face dismissal

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman accused of threatening a group of minors by cocking his service firearm may face dismissal due to the gravity of his offence.

Cebu City Police Office Investigation Detection and Management Branch chief Sr. Inspector Bonifacio Garciano said what SPO1 Adones Burgos is accused of can be considered a grave offense.

Burgos, allegedly cocked his 9mm pistol in front of minors inside a videoke bar along A. Soriano St. last Sunday. 

He also said that if evidence will warrant enough probable cause, Burgos may also face charges for grave misconduct which may lead to dismissal from service.

However, he said that Burgos will get due process in the fact-fading investigation they are currently conducting.

“Tagaan nato siya og higayon for due process,” he said.

After receiving a report of what Burgos did, CCPO Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe immediately ordered his relief from the San Nicolas Police Station. Burgos was also disarmed yesterday.

Starting yesterday, Burgos was ordered to report to CCPO while his case is being investigated by the IDMB. Burgos declined an interview with The FREEMAN.

Garciano said once they finish with their investigation, their report will be forwarded to the office of the city director, and later submitted to the Police Regional Police Office–7 for the summary hearing.

During the said hearings, Burgos will be given the chance to defend himself in front of summary hearing officers from the Regional Internal Affairs Services who will determine if the allegations against him are true.

Burgos, who was allegedly drunk at the time, was annoyed by a noisy group of minors inside the videoke bar and cocked his firearm in front of them.

Upon seeing his firearm, two of the victims, an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old, rushed to the Mabolo Police Station where they reported the incident.  

Policemen from the said station went to the videoke bar and apprehended Burgos who was detained and was later released after he reportedly apologized to the parents of the victims. 

Before charges in relation to Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law could be filed against him he was forgiven by the parents of the victims. But he will still face investigation for administrative liability. –(FREEMAN)