Cop faces charges for drugs, indiscriminate firing

CEBU, Philippines - A Cebu City policeman earlier caught for possession of illegal drugs and indiscriminate firing is now facing at least two criminal complaints before the prosecutor’s office.

Respondent, PO3 Ruben Perater, opted not file counter-affidavit on the complaint for illegal possession of drugs and illegal possession of firearms filed against him before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.

On Sunday, the Cebu City Police received a report of indiscriminate firing in Barangay Calamba that led to the arrest of Perater, a resident of Barangay Guadalupe.

Perater was assigned at the Cebu City Waterfront Police Station.

Police Chief Insp. Romeo Santander alleged that on the said date, their office received a call informing that there was a burst of gunfire heard at the third floor of an apartment in Sitio Mahayahay.

Santander together with his men responded to the alarm but despite introducing themselves as police officers upon arrival at the area, the firing has continued.

This prompted them to arrest Perater and his three companions.

During the inquest proceeding, respondents waived their right to undergo preliminary investigation instead manifested to face the charges in court.

State Prosecutor Alex Gabud then recommended the filing of case before the court.

Perater earlier admitted to The FREEMAN firing his gun. He said he did that just to demoralize the personnel of the apartment.

He said he just wanted to install lights in the apartment he bought from Junjun Baldesamo to have the power restored after it was cut off. However, Baldesamo allegedly got angry citing he was pressuring the occupants of the said apartment to leave.

He said he bought the apartment in the amount of P750,000.— (FREEMAN)