Police arrest “drunk” guard, crane operator

CEBU, Philippines - A security guard and a crane operator were arrested for indiscriminate firing of a gun yesterday dawn in a subdivision in barangay Dumlog, Talisay City by two other security guards.

Rodolfo Basalo, 47, resident of sitio Laguna, barangay Biasong, Talisay City and crane operator Rackmark Espina, 21, of Kishanta Village, barangay Lagtang, Talisay City are now detained at the Talisay City detention cell.

Seized from Espina was a loaded .38 cal. revolver.

Security guards Warlito Astacan, Jr., 36, of sitio Aromahan, Dumlog and Ricardo Austria, 25, of sitio Libo, barangay Mohon, Talisay, security guards of Deca Homes disarmed Basalo and Espina and effected a citizen’s arrest.

The two security guards turned over the two alleged drunken men to PO2 Cleo Ali Luntao and PO1 Ben Jaime Barrientos.

Superintendent Resty Santos, officer-in-charge of Talisay City Police Station, told The Freeman yesterday the two men were drunk after emerging from a party in the place where the incident happened.

The police said Basalo fired a gun first and then handed it over to Espina who also fired the gun.

Frightened residents called the two guards who immediately disarmed the men.

Santos said illegal possession of firearms will be filed against Espina because the gun taken from his possession is unlicensed.

Basalo will face charges of illegal discharge of firearms. — (FREEMAN)