Cop arrested for firing gun at mall

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman was arrested after reportedly firing his gun within the Parkmall compound in Mandaue City at 2am yesterday.

The suspect was identified as PO2 Eric Henry De Luna, 45, a resident of Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City. He is assigned with the Cebu Maritime Police Station.

PO1 Victor Atto of the Mandaue City Investigation and Detective Management Branch said investigation showed that De Luna was drunk during the incident.

Atto said personnel of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team acted on a report from the establishment’s security guard, Richard Baracamonte, that someone fired a gun at the veranda adjacent to a restobar at Parkmall.

The SWAT team arrived at the area and found De Luna. The suspect surrendered voluntarily and turned over the 9mm pistol he used.

During interrogation, De Luna said he heard a burst of gunfire from a group of youngsters near the mall, which prompted him to pull out his gun. However, the firearm reportedly went off accidentally.

“Pwede ra siya ka-alarma ato but unsaon ta man nga mibuto man iyang armas unya hubog pa g’yud siya, so ma-arrest g’yud siya,” Atto said.

Results of a liquor test showed that De Luna was indeed under the influence of alcohol at that time.

Atto said the SWAT team will file appropriate charges against De Luna today. De Luna is now detained at the Subangdaku Police Station. — (FREEMAN)