Cop faces raps for gun-totting

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of criminal charges for threats against the former Tabogon police chief for pointing his gun at three people inside a KTV bar five years ago.

The military ombudsman approved the recommendation of the Visayas Ombudsman to charge Inspector Wilfredo Giducos with three counts of Other Light Threats for pointing his gun at Jove Aloba, Jose and Reynaldo Esgana on January 15, 2006 inside a KTV bar in Barangay Bantigue, Bantayan.

Jose Esgana alleged that prior to the incident he was in a confrontation with a certain Danny Quezon. Quezon was with Giducos when the incident happened.

Esgana said the police officer dragged him out of the bar and wrapped his arms around his neck while pointing his gun at the same time threatening to execute him.

Aloba reportedly tried to pacify but Giducos also pointed his gun at him. Reynaldo Esgana who arrived at the KTV bar moment after the commotion said the accused also grabbed his shirt and pointed a gun at him.

The PNP has an existing policy than bans policemen from bringing their firearms in public places such as KTV bars.

Giducos claimed he was at the bar upon the invitation of his friends when the commotion happened. He explained that he was reluctant at first to interfere in the commotion but his friend asked him to pacify.

But the Ombudsman ruled that even if the accused only tried to pacify those who were engaged in fight he still did not have enough reason to draw his gun and point at the complainants.   (FREEMAN NEWS)