Off-duty cop shoots own cousin

CEBU, Philippines - A police officer shot his own cousin using his service firearm in order to pacify a commotion during a basketball tournament in Sitio Canuhoy, Barangay Bulasa, Argao on Sunday evening.

Police Officer 2 Bobby Naces who is assigned at the Argao Police Station was off duty when he was called to pacify a commotion inside the basketball court where he was forced to shoot Charlito Naces, 30.

Naces who was injured in his right shoulder refused to be confined and instead signed a waiver at the Toledo City Hospital.

Initial investigation of the police showed that Bobby was in their house not far from the area when he was called to respond to a trouble alarm at about 8:25 in the evening.

Bobby, who was already armed with his caliber .45 pistol loaded with five bullets, went to the place and saw his cousin, Charlito, along with two other companions, Arnold Tampus Landongan, 32, and Mark Gerard Manila, 34, both from Upper Mingcay, Bulasa of the said town.

The three were apparently under the influence of liquor at that time. Inspector Alejandro Batobalonos, Argao police chief, said Bobby was trying to pacify the commotion when the three suspects argued with him. The off-duty policeman was allegedly pushed repeatedly.

“Mura na kuno og wa’y respeto unya gi-tukmod-tukmod siya, (The suspects did not show respect and kept on shoving him.),” Batobalonos said.

The three men reportedly faced Bobby and mocked him repeatedly.

They also allegedly grappled with the cop to steal his gun but failed when Bobby decided to shoot his cousin.

Charlito was hit on the right shoulder with the bullet exiting his back.

“Giunhan na lang niya kaysa mailog iyang armas nga tulo sila, ni-ask dayon siya og back-up sa mga tao, (He had to shoot for fear that the three suspects will succeed in grabbing the gun. He then asked for help from the people who witnessed the commotion.),” Batobalonos said.

Bobby surrendered his pistol at the police station after the incident.

Further police investigation revealed that the commotion started when Charlito, the coach of one of the teams playing in the tournament, questioned the referee’s decision. Charlito was reportedly under the influence of liquor.Charges for violating Municipal Ordinance 01 or drinking in public places, resisting arrest, direct assault to a person in authority and disobedience were filed yesterday against the three men who are still at the police stockade.  (FREEMAN)