SRP cop's gun fails to fire while pursuing suspects

CEBU, Philippines - PO1 Glenn Besande of the South Road Properties (SRP) Police had an experience he would never forget.

Last Wednesday, they were conducting a checkpoint following the ambush of the wife of Atty. Raul Sesbreño and her two companions at corner Rabaya St., Cansojong, Talisay City.

Rusty Saison and Jeffery Didal of Barangay Opao, Mandaue City, refused to stop at the checkpoint and sped away from the police.

While chasing the two alongside SPO1 Benigno Andrew Ilagan, Besande took his .38 caliber revolver from its holster, pointed it to the air, and fired.

But when he checked his gun, the bullet was stuck at its muzzle, half of it exposed. It’s the third time this happened to him, he said.

A firearms expert said it could have been a case of substandard ammunition. But the expert clarified that it’s also possible Besande’s gun needed some repairs.

All ended well for the police, though, as Besande and Ilagan continued chasing the fleeing suspects who eventually got down their motorcycle near the Ludo Bridge.

The two policemen got down from their SRP patrol car and arrested the two.

Confiscated were two small sachets of white powder believed to be shabu which was kept inside one of the suspect’s cellphone. A knife was also recovered.

When Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe heard the incident from the media, he promised to put Besande in the priority list of policemen for the issuance of service firearms.

Besande reportedly owns a licensed gun which he can use with a patrol order from the Cebu City Police Office. Buenafe said he will issue the order.

Meanwhile, Saison and Didal were charged yesterday for violating the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (FREEMAN)