Malabon cop fires at partygoers

MANILA, Philippines - A police officer was arrested for allegedly firing his gun during a road accident at a nearby street party at around midnight Friday in Malabon City, but he escaped while on the way to the station for investigation.

Police Officer 2 Ronald Beran, assigned at the Malabon City Police Community Precinct (PCP) 6, fled with his .9mm service pistol while in the custody of Police Officer 1 Richard Mallari.

Case officer PO2 Edsel de la Paz said Beran was driving his motorcycle when he accidentally sideswiped Joseph Medina, 26, and Alma Marin, 28, while passing a New Year’s street party along Gov. Pascual Avenue in Barangay Concepcion at around 11:48 p.m.

Beran stopped and alighted from his motorcycle to check on the victims but was irritated when barangay watchman Junar Blas, 42, intervened. Blas said that to avoid trouble, he just walked away but the policeman allegedly shot at him at least twice but missed.

The commotion attracted the attention of the revelers, who destroyed Beran’s motorcycle. Beran, brandishing his handgun, reportedly fired warning shots to scare away the mob.

PO3 Rodolfo Rusca, PO1 Richard Canlas and Mallari apprehended Beran and pulled him away from the angry crowd, who started to attack the policemen with beer bottles and stones. Mallari accompanied Beran in a tricycle on the way to the PCP 6 for investigation but Beran reportedly jumped off the vehicle and ran away, bringing with him his firearm.

The STAR tried but failed to contact Malabon City police chief Senior Superintendent Cornelio Barrios for comment on the case.