QC cop faces dismissal after shooting spree

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman who went on a shooting spree and wounded a 75-year-old woman Tuesday afternoon faces dismissal from government service, an official said yesterday.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano said he ordered the conduct of summary dismissal proceedings against Senior Police Officer 3 Enrique Galapate, 54.

Albano said he will not tolerate the acts of the policeman, who was arrested in Project 4 at around 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Investigators said prior to the incident, Galapate asked two vulcanizing shop attendants, both of whom were minors, to change a tire on his vehicle.

Galapate drew his gun and threatened the minors when they asked for payment for changing the tire, QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit head Chief Inspector Rodelio Marcelo said. The policeman started shooting when the attendants fled in fear.

Necitas Encinas, who was in her billiard hall nearby, was hit in the upper arm and breast. She was rushed to the Quirino Memorial Medical Center where she is currently under observation.

Marcelo said Galapate, detailed at QCPD Station 8, was drunk when the incident happened. He will be charged with alarm and scandal, physical injury, and two counts of grave threats in relation to Republic Act 7610, the anti-child abuse law.