Cop faces raps for killing dog, threatening owner

SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – A policeman is in hot water for gunning down a neighborhood dog here and allegedly threatening its owner earlier this week. 

Senior Inspector Maciste Serrano said they have recovered two slugs from an M-16 rifle and 9-mm pistol, which PO3 John Segundo used in last Tuesday’s killing of the dog of Ruth Galasinao of Barangay Quezon here.

Besides facing charges of violation of the Animal Welfare Act and other criminal and administrative sanctions, Segundo’s illegal discharge of his firearm is a crime in itself, which could lead to his suspension from the service, Serrano said.  

“(Segundo) may have violated a special law on animal rights. He (would) also be answerable to other charges in connection with (the incident),” he added.

Segundo, 48, assigned to the Sta. Fe municipal police, did not resist arrest when Serrano’s men took him from his rented house after Galasinao’s husband sought police assistance.

According to Mrs. Galasinao, Segundo, a long-time family acquaintance, went to their house Tuesday morning, but was bitten by the dog when he tried to go near it.

This allegedly prompted Segundo to shoot the dog, hitting it in the neck and buttocks. The dog died an hour later.

“I was nervous and felt helpless. (Segundo) even aimed his rifle at my right temple and asked if I wanted to be next. Our children became hysterical. The teachers and kids (at a nearby kindergarten school) looked so terrified as well,” Mrs. Galasinao recalled.

Segundo admitted shooting the dog in retaliation for biting him on a finger “but I did not threaten nor aim my gun at (anybody or at Mrs. Galasinao).”

Chief Superintendent Roberto Damian, Cagayan Valley police director, gave assurance that appropriate disciplinary actions would be imposed on Segundo.

“He will get the punishment he deserves. The (Philippine National Police) will not condone this kind of action by (any) policeman,” he said.