Policeman who shot brother ordered released

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has ordered the release of a police officer who was arrested for accidentally shooting his younger brother last week.

Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Liceria Lofranco-Rabillas, during last Friday’s inquest proceeding, ordered to have Police Officer 1 Lemuel Celestial released and recommended that the complaint filed against the police officer be filed under regular filing.

“My basis in recommending (for the release) is to determine if shooting the victim was intentional or not,” she said.

The Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office filed on Friday a criminal complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in frustrated homicide against Celestial, who is assigned as tourist police at the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.

On October 15, 2014, Celestial accidentally shot his brother John Rey, 27, while allegedly grappling for his service firearm, a 9mm Glock pistol, which the latter tried to grab from him.

The incident happened in Vasquez Compound, Espina Village, Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.

The younger Celestial was hit on his left jaw and was brought to the hospital for medication. He died on October 20.

According to Senior Police Officer 1 Ruth Violango of CCPO Homicide Section, prior to the incident, Celestial reprimanded his younger brother for his alleged illegal vices.

The police officer likewise confronted John Rey for not remitting the collection of the rental fees in the compound where he works as a caretaker, added Violango. — (FREEMAN)