SWAT member charged for aiming gun at officials

CEBU, Philippines - A member of the Special Weapons and Tactics team in Cebu City is facing criminal charges for allegedly aiming his gun at government officials during the Sinulog Grand Parade last Sunday.

The complaint for grave threats was filed by Masbate Rep. Scott Davies Lanete, Provincial Environment Officer Edgar de Lara, and PO2 Joey Balang-ey of the Police Security and Protection Group.

They alleged that SPO1 Arthur Sabang aimed his gun at Lanete and Masbate Governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete near the entrance of the Cebu City Sports Center.

In a press conference yesterday, De Lara said the dancing contingent of Masbate was about to enter the sports center at about 7 p.m. last Sunday when Sabang allegedly stopped them.

Sabang allegedly aimed his flashlight, which was attached to the muzzle of his rifle, at the governor then to the congressman.

When Lanete’s escort introduced himself, Sabang allegedly cursed and said, “God damn it, hindi kayo taga-rito. Aarestohin ko kayo. Identify ka nga!”

De Lara said what Sabang did was uncalled for, considering that Lanetes was considered a high-risk VIP.

“Itong attitude ng police, hindi natin pwede i-tolerate…hindi ito pweding balewalain. Kung nagawa nya sa VIP, how much more sa ordinaryong tao?” De Lara contended.

Sabang apologized publicly yesterday, saying he is “very sorry for the inconvenience and uneasiness” of what happened.

He said the incident serves a lesson for him to perform his duties “with utmost caution and maximum tolerance”.

Despite his apology, he denied cursing at the complainants and explained that he was just doing his job of disallowing people not part of a contingent from entering the sports center.            De Lara said the incident lasted for about two minutes and they were eventually allowed to enter after they introduced themselves. He said the incident will not affect their participation in the Sinulog in the future.

Probe

Even with the filing of the case and Sabang’s public apology, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said he wants the incident investigated thoroughly.

Labella, chairman of the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council, said he already asked Police Regional Office-7 director, Chief Supt. Prudencio Bañas, to look into the matter.

“I advised them to go through the process and execute affidavit,” he said, adding that there is threat when pointing a rifle at someone. “We will not tolerate that kind of act,” he said.

If proven guilty, Sabang may be held liable both criminally or administratively.

Mayor Michael Rama, for his part, said he wants the “rule of law” to be upheld.

“You know me. Rule of law is very important and no one should be spared. There should be no sacred cow,” Rama said. — /JMO (FREEMAN)