Journalist arrested for shooting lawman

MANILA, Philippines –  An off-duty Manila policeman is in critical condition after he was reportedly shot by a tabloid photojournalist following an altercation in Sampaloc, Manila at past midnight yesterday.

Police Officer 3 Arthur Martinez, detailed at the mobile patrol unit of the Manila Police District, is reportedly under observation at the intensive care unit of an undisclosed hospital for three gunshot wounds in the body.

Jasper Barcelon, 27, surrendered to the police. He also gave up his .45 caliber pistol, two magazines and nine bullets, together with his gun permits.

In a report of Sampaloc police station chief Superintendent Jemar Modequillo to MPD director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla, Martinez had attended a wake when his attention was caught by a commotion between Barcelon and a man who reportedly urinated at the gate of Barcelon’s residence.

Introducing himself as a policeman, Martinez tried to pacify the two but Barcelon turned on the policeman instead.

Barcelon reportedly went into the house and returned carrying a gun and accompanied by his brother Jason and father Roberto. The police report stated that Barcelon started the shooting.

However, in an interview, Barcelon gave a different version of the incident. He said he was watching TV in the house when he heard his brother Jason arguing with someone outside. When he went out, he saw his brother being confronted by a group of men, including Martinez.

Barcelon said he overheard the group claiming they were policemen. He said Martinez became irritated when he asked for his name and identification papers. When Martinez drew his gun, he said they ran into the house and gunshots were heard. He said he retaliated by firing several shots.

Barcelon claimed his father was grazed by bullets.