Cop arrested for firing gun in Camp Crame

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman is facing charges for allegedly firing his gun in the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters at Camp Crame at past midnight Wednesday.

Police Officer 1 Paul Ivan Talagtag, 27, was arrested based on the complaint of SPO1 Rodolfo Cayabyab of the PNP’s Headquarters Support Service.

Assistant city prosecutor Conrado Rosario recommended the indictment of Talagtag, reportedly a member of San Mateo, Rizal police, for violating the election gun ban and charges of alarm and scandal and illegal possession of firearms.

Senior Police Officer 1 Eric Lazo said the incident happened near the police officers’ barracks.

Cayabyab, in his complaint, said he was sleeping in his quarters when he was awakened by a gunshot. When he checked, he saw men milling about, including Talagtag, who had a fired cartridge near his feet.

He invited Talagtag for questioning to their office, but saw Talagtag allegedly trying to hide his .40 caliber Glock 23 pistol between his thighs.

Talagtag could not present documents for the gun, which led to his arrest by Camp Crame police officers. He was later turned over to the Quezon City Police District.