Apology not enough: Multiple raps for cop who threatened chief

CEBU, Philippines - The police officer who aimed his service firearm at his chief at the Dumanjug Police Station is facing two criminal charges before the provincial prosecutor’s office and four administrative charges before the Regional Internal Affairs Service.

The charges against PO2 Socrates Avila were filed yesterday.

The charges for reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and direct assault to a person in authority were filed by Dumanjug police chief Senior Inspector Cesar Misola. Avila is also facing charges for conduct unbecoming a police officer, grave misconduct, less neglect of duty and anti-graft and corrupt practices act.

Misola was supposed to send a letter requesting Avila to report to work before he will be considered  absent without official leave but Avila suddenly appeared at the police station a few days after the incident.

“Bawal sa amin ang walang disiplina kasi dapat magbigay kami ng magandang halimbawa as a law enforcer baka kasi ano ang sasabihin ng publiko sa amin,” Misola told The FREEMAN in a phone interview.

Avila reportedly apologized for the incident and said his family is also affected by the controversy, but Misola said an apology is not enough for him to withdraw the charges.

“Even if  he asked sorry, I would not withdraw the charges… I just advised him to work and face the charges kasi siya ang may gusto niyan at sabi niya apektado ang pamilya niya,” Misola said.

Misola said the police force in general needs to gain the public’s trust.

Avila reportedly arrived at the police station on March 20 under the influence of liquor and left his post even if he was on duty as desk officer at that time. He took also the police car without permit to travel and went to a burial in Barangay Ilaya where he rammed to a road signage.

He also released detainee, Sosimo Pace from the stockade without court order.

Avila arrived at the station following complaint from a concerned citizen and got irked. It was at this point when he aimed his issued .38 revolver at Misola, who immediately ran for cover.

Misola took his issued 9mm pistol from his office but a few minutes later, Avila ran out of the station and threw his revolver on the table.

Misola said the incident holds enough grounds to file the charges against Avila. —/JMO (FREEMAN)