PNP sacks gun-toting cop

MANILA, Philippines — The police officer who fired his handgun during a confrontation with a customer outside a bar in Quezon City has been dismissed from the service, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said he signed Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong’s dismissal order last Dec. 18.

“The dismissal order should be implemented immediately,” Acorda told reporters.

Acorda said while it is Abong’s right to appeal, the decision is executory based on the provisions of existing PNP policies.

“While he may submit his appeal, the dismissal order stands. He is officially terminated from the PNP,” Acorda said.

Dismissed PNP personnel are not entitled to benefits, Acorda added.

Abong, who was assigned with the PNP Legal Service department, was apprehended on Nov. 16, 2023 for firing his gun in Barangay Laging Handa.

Reports said Abong grabbed a waiter by his necktie and argued with a customer outside the bar.

Charges of illegal discharge of a firearm, physical injury and slander by deed had been filed against Abong.

He also faced a complaint for a hit-and-run accident that killed tricycle driver Joel Larosa in Quezon City on Aug. 6, 2022.