Drunk SWAT member arrested

CEBU, Philippines - A member of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office was apprehended by barangay tanods after he went berserk inside a store in Barangay Kamagayan on Thursday evening.

SPO1 Roberto Pepito now faces administrative and criminal charges after allegedly assaulting and poking his gun at some residents.

Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said that at around 9 pm, the police received an armed person alarm but when responding police officers from Parian Police Station and other units arrived, Pepito was already in the custody of barangay tanods.

Witnesses say that Pepito, who was very drunk, suddenly assaulted and even pointed his .45 caliber service hand gun at some residents.

Pepito also tested positive for liquor. He refused to talk to the media.

Because of this, Buenafe said CCPO is preparing criminal charges against SPO1 Pepito for grave threats, physical injuries, and for violating the gun ban.

He added that Pepito’s actions, if proven, could result to his termination from the force. “He will be subjected to due process,” Buenafe assures.  

CCPO has also coordinated with the LLCPO for Pepito’s administrative case.

“Usa ni ka makadaot sa Philippine National Police (PNP) that is why we do not condone such acts,” he said.

LLCPO Director Anthony Obenza also expressed the same sentiment. 

“It is sad to note nga naa tay nadakpan na police. But we will show our sincerity and seriousness even to our own (police),” Buenafe said.

However, LLCPO SWAT Chief Juanito Mandal told reporters that Pepito is a good policeman, adding that he did not expect Pepito could do such a thing. “Buotan manang bata-a,” he said.

Aside from Pepito, four other civilians were also arrested for violating Cebu City Police Office special gun ban.

The gun ban, which temporarily cancels permits to carry firearms outside the residence in Cebu City, took effect last Monday and will last till Jan. 26.

Only policemen in civilian clothes who are in covert operations are exempted from the ban. However, they must bring with them their patrol orders at all times.

Other law enforcers, like the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are not exempted from the ban. (FREEMAN)