Man who fired gun goes scot-free

A civilian employed in Camp Aguinaldo was arrested by police for indiscriminately firing a gun on New Year’s Eve in Sampaloc, Manila, but was later mysteriously released without any formal charges.

Daniel Ilagan, 36, an account officer of RSBS Bank, resident of 1416 J. Fajardo st., Sampaloc, was arrested by policemen from the University Belt Area (UBA) police community precinct after reports received that he had fired his gun several times at the height of the revelry.

Authorities had warned that any person who fired a gun on New Year’s Eve would be arrested and his firearm confiscated and subjected to ballistic tests. The police warning was a precautionary measure against indiscriminate firing which have claimed the lives of innocent victims.

Aside from indiscriminately firing his gun, Ilagan was also accused of pistol-whipping Anthony Santos, 21, a waiter, of 1352-E G. Tuazon st., Sampaloc.

Some 16 empty shells were recovered by responding policemen from the scene of the gun-firing.

Surprisingly, the responding policemen alleged that they failed to find the gun used by Ilagan.

Yet, Sampaloc policemen released Ilagan without filing any charges against him.

According to officer-on-case SPO1 Donato Tan, he had to release Ilagan after complainant Santos showed reluctance to pursue his complaint against the suspect.

Tan advised Santos to secure a medical certificate but failed to return to the police precinct.

Ilagan is said to be filing a case against Santos, alleging that it was Santos and his group who threatened him and that he only acted in self-defense.

Tan reasoned out that he could not hold Ilagan for indiscriminate firing since the arresting policemen failed to find a gun in his possession.

Tan said he would re-open the investigation in case Santos surfaces. — Nestor Etolle