Rookie cop investigated for Christmas Day firing

CEBU, Philippines -  A neophyte policeman is now under investigation after he allegedly fired his gun on the evening of  December 25 in Banate town of Iloilo.

It was also believed that the bullet PO1 Raulito Calubia pumped from his caliber .9mm service firearm could be the same bullet that hit 17-year-old Jay Abunawan.

Senior Supt. Cornelio Salinas, Iloilo Police provincial director, said there were witnesses who can attest that Calubia, a member of the Banate Police Station, fired his gun to the direction where the victim was situated.

Abunawan was sitting outside their house when a bullet hit him on the shoulder. He already underwent surgery Thursday.

"But even if Calubia was not responsible for the victim's injury, a policeman is still prohibited to fire their gun unless necessary. He is still answerable for what he did," Salinas said.

The signed tape placed on the nozzle of Calubia's firearm was already removed. He also admitted to have fired his gun because of "threat to his life," but Salinas believed the "spirit of liquor" drove the policeman to fire his gun.

While investigation is going on, Calubia was relieved from his present assignment and placed under custody at the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) headquarters at Camp Sumagaysay in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

He already underwent paraffin examination while his firearm was placed on cross matching and ballistic tests.

Abunawan was the first victim of stray bullet in Iloilo province during the holiday. "And I look forward that he would be the last. I hope what happened would serve as a lesson for our law enforcers and civilians that the bullet they fired might hit someone else," Salinas said.  (FREEMAN)