Cop hurt in accidental shooting won’t fire charges vs. fellow cop

CEBU, Philippines - The police officer who accidentally shot his fellow policeman while cleaning his handgun inside their office in Toledo City last week is now free from criminal liability.

This, after PO2 Marciano Suarez Jr. refused to file criminal charges against Police Officer 1 Carby Clyde Alinsug who accidentally shot Suarez inside the Provincial Public Safety Company in Barangay Don Andres Soriano, after his .45 pistol went off.

Instead of filing a case for Reckless Imprudence resulting in Physical Injuries, Suarez just requested Alinsug to shoulder his medical expenses at the Visayas Community Medical Center in Cebu City.

Sr. Supt. Henry Biñas, Toledo City chief, said Suarez paid P25,000 at the VSMC when he was admitted for medical treatment.

“Dili na lang mukiha si Suarez pero magpatabang lang siya sa gastuhan kay maluoy man gud siya unya wala tuyua, (Suarez won’t press charges. He just requested that Alinsug pay his medical bills. He took pity on Alinsug and the shooting was not intentional.)” Biñas said in a phone interview.

However, Biñas said the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division (RIDMD)-7 will be conducting a pre-charge evaluation on the incident.

Alinsug’s .45 pistol reportedly went off when he took off his pistol belt as he was about to clean the handgun Friday afternoon inside the police office in Barangay Don Andres Soriano, Toledo City.

The slug of the firearm hit the concrete floor and ricocheted to the left upper forearm of PO2 Suarez who was standing inside the office.

Alinsug is on Field Training Program while Suarez was detailed in Toledo City as he was on expanded night watch.

Biñas said Alinsug will be released from the Toledo City stockade as soon as both parties amicably settled the matter.