Gun-toting cop now detained

CEBU, Philippines - An embattled police officer accused of grave threats and indiscriminate firing was turned over by the Police Regional Office-7 to Minglanilla Police Station where he is now detained pending the filing of the criminal complaint before the prosecutor’s office.

The regional headquarters security group surrendered Police Officer 3 Louie Alalim to the police station after he reported for work on Tuesday. Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, chief of the regional directorial staff of PRO-7 ordered the headquarters security group to locate Alalim following his reported illegal discharge of firearm Monday dawn in Barangay Cadulawan, Minglanilla. 

Alalim was allegedly drunk and pointed a gun at his neighbor, Lyndon Caparida, before firing his service pistol in the air several times. He was also accused of hitting the windshield of Caparida’s multicab using his pistol before fleeing.

Alalim yesterday asked for apology from his neighbor and claimed that they have been settled. He admitted he was under the influence of liquor during the incident.

“Na-influence lang gyud ko ato sa kahubog,” Alalim said.

Chief Inspector Franco Rodolf Oriol, chief of Minglanilla Police Station, said the complainant is keen on pressing criminal and administrative charges against the police officer.

Lawas said the administrative complaint will be investigated by the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division-7. Lawas said even if Caparida will desist from pursuing his complaint, Alalim will sure face investigation for illegal discharge of firearm.

He said it was a violation of the guidelines of PRO-7 against the use of firearm during the holidays. In fact, all firearms issued to the police were subjected to muzzle-taping last Monday.

Alalim was reportedly drunk Monday dawn when he confronted Caparida with a gun. He allegedly pointed his 9mm service pistol at Caparida and fired his gun in the air four times. He also hit Caparida’s multicab with his pistol.

It was not clear whether Alalim and the complainant had a standing personal grudge. — (FREEMAN)