Cop suspended for failure to return government-issued gun

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman from the municipality of Pinamungajan has been suspended for six months and one day from service after he failed to return a government-issued firearm.

Graft investigation and prosecution officer Vivien Leigh Santiago Lumangtad held PO2 Dave Talaboc administratively liable for violation of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service.

Although Talaboc claimed that he already returned the issued firearm, Lumangtad said he failed to corroborate his claim.

“He failed to present an acknowledgment receipt as proof that he had returned the gun. Without any evidence that respondent returned the firearm either to Yapha, or the municipal treasurer, it is presumed that the firearm is still in his possession,” the decision read.

A certain Jose Gilson Fedrequilan filed an administrative complaint for misconduct against Talaboc and former Pinamungajan mayor Jeffrey Yapha for their alleged failure to return the issued firearm.

Yapha issued a .45 caliber to Talaboc in 2004. The firearms licensing division of Camp Crame informed the municipality in 2012 that its license firearms were expired.

In 2013, Mayor Glen Baricuatro directed Ursula Managaytay, the municipal treasurer, to recall all vehicles and firearms.

In his counter-affidavit, Talaboc claimed that the firearm has not been in his custody since 2006 because he has already surrendered it to Yapha.

But without proof, Lumangtad ruled to hold Talaboc administratively liable. She said Talaboc failed to substantiate his claim that he already endorsed his firearm before the municipality of Pinamungajan.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint filed against Yapha for lack of evidence. — Mylen P. Manto/ATO (FREEMAN)