Alleged drunk accused of indiscriminate firing

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drunk, who claimed to be a bodyguard of former Cordova Mayor Arleigh Sitoy, was arrested after reportedly firing indiscriminately an unlicensed gun dawn the other day near the incumbent mayor’s house in barangay Gabi, Cordova.

The suspect was identified as Mark Benedict Puntal, 30, of Compostela town.

According to PO1 Dennis Camunay of the Cordova Police, they received a telephone call from a concerned citizen at 1:25 a.m. asking for police assistance.

The concerned citizen, who asked not to be named, alleged that a man on board a multicab with plate numbers GRJ-129 headed towards Lapu-Lapu City after firing his gun once near the house of Mayor Adelino Sitoy.

Police immediately responded and gave the suspect, believed to be under the influence of liquor, a chase which resulted to his arrest in Marigondon at 1:45 a.m.

Recovered from his possession were a 9mm pistol, a magazine, and 34 live bullets. He failed to present pertinent documents.

Camunay said that Puntal claimed to be a bodyguard of former mayor Arleigh Sitoy, son of the incumbent mayor.

The suspect is now detained at the Lapu-Lapu Police stockade. Charges for illegal possession of firearms and bullets are set to be filed against him today. — Niña G. Sumacot/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)