Policeman jailed for threatening in-laws released

CEBU, Philippines - The police officer who was arrested for allegedly threatening his in-laws in Mandaue City gained his temporary freedom after posting bail.

Police Officer 3 Christian Peñafiel, who was assigned at the Cebu Provincial Police Office, was released after he posted a P4,000 bail before the court.

Peñafiel was detained at the Casuntingan Police Station following complaint from his father-in-law, Vicente Seno Sr., 69, and his brother-in-law, Vicente Seno Jr., 38.

According to Police Senior Inspector Hugo Rio Ipong, chief of the Casuntingan Police Station, the complainants claimed that it was around 9:30 p.m. last Tuesday when Peñafiel suddenly fired his gun near the gate of their compound.

Peñafiel then allegedly pointed his firearm at the complainants and threatened Vicente Sr.

The complainants immediately called up the police station to ask for assistance that led to the arrest of the suspect.

Ipong said Peñafiel was later found positive du-ring a liquor test at the Mandaue District Hospital.

Ipong said Peñafiel’s wife turned over his cal. 9mm service firearm as well as an empty shell found at the area. The empty shell was subjected to a ballistic examination to see if it matches with Peñafiel’s service firearm.

Ipong also said they have already subjected Peñafiel to a paraffin test and to a drug test as directed by Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, the chief of the Regional Directorial Staff in the Police Regional Office-7.

Lawas said based on the allegations of the complainants, it was not the first time that Peñafiel discharged his firearm. There were also allegations that the suspect would physically abuse his wife.

“Based also on what the complainants have narrated to me, there are certain acts which I deemed it proper for PO3 Peñafiel to be subjected to drug test,” said Lawas.

Peñafiel is now under investigation by the Regional Internal Affairs Services-7 for his administrative case.

He is also facing criminal charges for grave threat, illegal discharge of firearm, violation of City Ordinance 1929 or drunkenness, and illegal possession of firearm.

Peñafiel, for his part, said he will face all the cases filed against him. — Ma. Fatima R. Secuya/LPM (FREEMAN)