CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A police officer was arrested after allegedly firing his service firearm in Victoria, Tarlac, prompting the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) to reiterate its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and insist on accountability within the ranks. The incident occurred at around 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday (Sept. 22), at the Rigor Compound in Barangay San Nicolas, Victoria.
PRO3 Regional Director P/Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the arrest underscores the police organization’s commitment to enforcing the law and holding its personnel accountable for any violation.
Initial investigation showed that the 26-year-old patrolman, assigned to Angeles City Police Station, was allegedly under the influence of liquor when he figured in an argument with his father over a family land dispute.
During the altercation, he allegedly drew his PNP-issued firearm and fired one shot into the air, prompting concerned residents to report the incident.
Personnel of Victoria Municipal Police Station immediately responded, recovered a fired cartridge case, arrested the officer, and confiscated his issued firearm.
The officer remains under the custody of Victoria MPS while requests for ballistic examination and paraffin testing, as well as documents for the filing of appropriate charges, are being prepared.
Mendez said the immediate action taken by responding personnel reflects the command’s firm stand on discipline and accountability.
“The uniform does not place anyone above the law. If one of our personnel is involved in an alleged violation, we expect our units to act promptly and according to procedure. Due process will be observed, but misconduct that may endanger the public or damage the integrity of the organization will not be ignored. By acting on these cases without exception, we also show our communities that accountability applies within our own ranks and that their trust in the police must be protected,” PBGEN Mendez said. (UnliNews Online)
