Illegal firearm gets rookie cop in trouble

PO1 Marlon Villanueva Jr. —PHOTO COURTESY OF QCPD

A 28-year-old rookie policeman was arrested by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Wednesday night for allegedly bringing an unlicensed firearm into a karaoke bar while he was drunk.

PO1 Marlon Villanueva Jr., was relieved of his post at the Headquarters Support Service (HSS) in Camp Crame while the QCPD was preparing to charge him with illegal possession of a firearm.

According to a police report, as the intoxicated lawman “suddenly fell [off] his chair,” the 9mm pistol he was carrying popped into view, alarming customers at the bar in Cubao, Quezon City. They promptly called authorities for help.

“According to witness accounts, he wasn’t fighting with anyone. It’s like he was just showing the gun off,” Supt. Giovanni Caliao, Cubao police station commander said.

According to Caliao, the pistol was likely tucked into Villanueva’s waistband or hidden in his bag.

No resistance

Despite being drunk, Villanueva cooperated with policemen who arrived at the bar. He was placed under arrest after he failed to provide any “pertinent documents” for the firearm and remained in the custody of the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit on Thursday.

Aside from the criminal charge, Caliao said it was up to Villanueva’s unit, the HSS, to file appropriate administrative cases against him as well.

“But definitely, he will be placed in the administrative holding unit considering he is facing a criminal case,” Caliao added.