Cop wants free movie, threatens mall officer

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman is under investigation for allegedly threatening a mall’s customer relations officer so he could watch a movie for free on Tuesday night, officials said yesterday.

Superintendent Lito Cabamongan, assigned to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory, reportedly went into the mall’s customer relations service (CRS) office with a Glock pistol tucked into his waistband. The mall is located in southern Metro Manila.

He threatened to create trouble if he does not get to watch a movie, said Senior Police Officer 1 Gilbert Cueto, who responded to the scene.

The employees at the CRS office gave him a free ticket.

CRS manager Zaiden Carlos told police Cabamongan sat on the floor and moviegoers were bothered by his “unusual behavior.” He was seen performing sit-ups and crawling.

A security guard, who declined to be identified, said Cabamongan was performing yoga exercises in the cinema when police officers escorted him out of the mall and brought him to a nearby police community precinct.

Cueto said Cabamongan turned over his service firearm and was invited for questioning.

Since Carlos did not file a complaint, according to a police report, Cabamongan was allowed to go home and his firearm was returned to him.

Superintendent Jenny Tecson, Southern Police District (SPD) spokesperson, said they will conduct an investigation of the incident.

“We will not tolerate any wrongdoings committed by any member of our ranks. He is an official, he should be the one setting a good example,” Tecson said, but clarified that Cabamongan is not under the SPD.