Cop nabbed for Sinulog gun ban violation

A POLICEMAN was the first to be arrested for violation of the special gun ban which is in effect until Jan. 26 for the Sinulog celebartion.

SPO1 Roberto Pepito, a member of the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, was caught bringing a .45 pistol in barangay Kamagayan, Cebu City, last Thursday night.

Pepito was off duty at the time. He came from work when he dropped by Kamagayan before going home to barangay Lorega.

Senior Supt. Melvin Buenafe, chief of the Cebu City Police Office, said members of the Parian police rushed to Kamagayan after receiving an armed person alarm.

Buenafe said Pepito was drunk at the time and was accused of poking a gun at someone.

Aside from violating the gun ban, Pepito will be charged for grave threats.

A separate administrative investigation will be conducted.

Buenafe said Pepito’s arrest should serve as warning that the police are serious about implementing the Sinulog gun ban, which started on Jan. 5.  CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON