Cop facing probe for indiscriminate firing

CEBU, Philippines – A novice policeman assigned at the Tudela Police Station is now a subject of investigation after he was caught firing his service firearm indiscriminately in Guihulngan town in Negros Oriental.

Cebu Provincial Police Director Jesus Gaquing identified the subject as PO1 Randy Balansag, a native of Dumanjug town and an organic member of the Tudela police.

He was caught firing his service firearm by members of the 11th Infantry Battalion in barangay McKinley, Guihulngan town.

The incident happened early this month when Balansag rented a boat with his friends and fired his gun off shore, which prompted the military personnel to respond.

Gaquing said that formal administrative and criminal charges would be filed against Balansag should he be proven to have indeed used his service firearm indiscriminately. Gaquing said a police officer cannot bring his service firearm to his residence, especially if it is a long firearm.

“Wala gyud na namo gitugot nga dad-on ang gi-issue nga firearm sa ilang balay labi na nang long arm. Pwede ra ang mga mubo nga firearm. Ibilin ra jud na sa station,” Gaquing said.

But Gaquing said investigation would also determine whether the police station in Tudela town has an armory because the lack thereof might be the reason why Balansag brought his firearm with him.

In an interview with dySS, Balansag admitted he committed a mistake by testing his service firearm. Balansag said he will face the investigation of CPPO.

He was placed under the custody of the battalion but was subsequently released 18 hours later after he introduced himself as a police officer. – Christopher Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)