PNP official nabbed for firing gun in restobar

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine National Police (PNP) official who figured in a hit-and-run accident that killed a tricycle driver in August last year was apprehended yesterday after he allegedly fired his handgun in front of a restobar in Quezon City.

Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, said they are preparing charges of illegal discharge of a firearm, violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition in relation to the gun ban, physical injury and slander by deed against Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong before the city prosecutor’s office.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said she requested Maranan to ensure a thorough, fair and immediate investigation into the incident.

"We want to assure business owners in Quezon City that the local government will protect your businesses and personnel. Your welfare is crucial in ensuring the development of our city," she said in Filipino.

The incident involving the 40-year-old Abong, who is assigned with the PNP’s Legal Service, occurred in front of the RalyoZ Drinkery Lounge in Barangay Laging Handa at around 1 a.m., according to a report from the Kamuning police station.

Police investigators said Abong went to the restobar and confronted a waiter, demanding to see the establishment’s manager.

According to probers, Abong grabbed the waiter by his necktie. He then argued with another customer outside the restobar.

“Initial investigation nagkakaasaran silang magkainuman pero iniimbestigahan pa naming mabuti (they were teasing each other but we conducting a thorough probe),” Maranan said in a message on Viber.

The restobar’s manager said Abong fired his handgun twice outside the establishment.

Policemen who arrived at the scene took Abong into custody and brought him to the QCPD’s criminal investigation and detection unit (CIDU), which he used to head, for investigation.

Lawmen seized a Glock .40-caliber pistol and a firearm magazine with nine bullets.

Investigators also retrieved two bullet casings at the scene.

Dismissed by PLEB

Abong figured in an accident that killed tricycle driver Joel Laroa along Anonas street on Aug. 6, 2022.

The People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) of Quezon City government has rendered a decision dismissing Abong from the service after he allegedly covered up his involvement in the accident.

It is unclear if Abong appealed his case.

PLEB chairman Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the PNP should have implemented their decision and kicked Abong out of the police force.

“It is beyond comprehension why he is still in active service. For all intents and purposes, he should be dismissed,” Calinisan said in a message on Viber.

Maranan vowed they will hold Abong accountable for his actions.

Kidnap, extortion raps

Abong was one of eight police officers assigned with the QCPD-CIDU accused of kidnapping and extorting P2 million from three suspected scammers in October 2022.

The PNP’s Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group filed charges of kidnapping, robbery-extortion and unlawful arrest before the Department of Justice.

The charges stemmed from the complaints of three people who were arrested by the police officers in a sting for allegedly swindling a politician. — Janvic Mateo