Police trainee detained for accidental shooting

CEBU, Philippines - The Toledo City Police will be submitting an incident report to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 which will take charge of the administrative liability of PO1 Carby Clyde Alinsug, who accidentally shot a police officer when his firearm went off inside their office last Friday afternoon.

Supt. Henry Binas, Toledo City police chief, said that although what happened was an accidental based on the account of PO2 Marciano Suarez Jr. and those who were around, they still need to follow certain procedures.

“Wa to niya tuyua pagtangtang to niya sa pistol belt naluoy gani si Suarez,” Binas said in a phone interview. (It was not deliberate. In fact his victim felt pity for him.)

Alinsug’s .45 pistol went off when he was about to clean it inside a police office in Barangay Don Andres Soriano, Toledo City around 4:15p.m.

The bullet hit the floor of the Provincial Public Safety Company and ricocheted, hitting Suarez in the left arm.

Alinsug is temporarily detained at the Toledo City stockade pending the filing of reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries.

Meanwhile, the Naga City police are now pursuing illegal drugs as one of the possible motives in the shooting to death of the cousin of Carcar City Vice Mayor Patrick Barcenas last Friday evening.

Supt. Eduardo Saavedra, Naga City police chief, said that the victim, Erwin Barcenas, 46, was allegedly involved in illegal drugs trade based on information they received from concern citizens.

Barcenas was arrested twice by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 but was able to post bail.

A reliable source also said that they were supposed to conduct a test buy against Barcenas after several reports of his illegal activity reached their office but before the verification was made, Barcenas was shot dead.

Saavedra further said that relatives of Barcenas claim that the victim received threats but ignored these.

“Gibadlong na kuno ni pero wala lang gihapon patuo kay giplanuhan na,” Saavedra said in a phone interview. (They said he refused to heed their advice.)

Barcenas was gunned down by men riding on a motorcycle in Barangay Tuyan, Naga City while riding at the back of a motorcycle driven by his friend, Jonathan Sagalili.

He succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

Saavedra said they are now coordinating with the Carcar City police for further investigation.  (FREEMAN)