Comendador orders probe on Mabolo shooting 'accident'

Cebu City Police Office director, Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, had ordered the Homicide Section to investigate a Mabolo Police Station policeman for allegedly wounding three people, including a 6-year-old girl, in a shooting "accident" the other night.

Comendador said homicide head, Inspector Mario Monilar, should investigate PO3 Oliver Glodove for possible criminal liabilities on the incident.

The Internal Affairs Service could also investigate Glodove for possible administrative liabilities if the reported victims would be willing to indict him.

Reports stated that the incident took place last Wednesday evening when Glodove, while about to board a police patrol car, "accidentally" dropped his 9-mm service pistol off its holster and it went off as it landed on the pavement.

Few feet away from where the gun fell and fired, three people standing by the roadside were allegedly hit on their legs by either the bullet or splinters of the concrete hit by bullet.

The three were 27-year-old Francis Mabatid, a 16-year-old boy, and a 6-year-old girl. They were treated at the Cebu City Medical Center and are now out of danger.

There were reports that Mabolo Police station chief, Supt. Armando Radoc had already ordered a "low-level" investigation on the matter.

Comendador however learned that the incident was not recorded and that the Homicide Section did not conduct an investigation because the investigators there said it should be the Mabolo police station who should investigate.

The city police chief insisted that the homicide police should do the investigation to erase doubts.

Monilar, for his part, told The FREEMAN that the homicide office is waiting for the victims to file their complaints against Glodove.

The victims should also submit their respective medical certificate as these would serve as bases for the filing of criminal charges against Glodove, Monilar said. - Edwin Ian Melecio/RAE