Eastern Samar cop relieved from post over gun incident, probe underway
TACLOBAN CITY — A police corporal from the Can-avid, Eastern Samar police station has been relieved from his post after he reportedly displayed his service firearm before a cashier of a local resort Saturday night.
The Can-avid municipal police station (MPS) issued a statement on Sunday, March 15, saying it started investigating the incident circulating on social media involving a police officer who allegedly showed his firearm to a cashier inside the East Wing Resort and Restaurant in Barangay 15, in Dolores, Eastern Samar.
The Can-avid police said it is still in the process of establishing the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Pending the outcome of the probe, the officer has been relieved from his post at the municipal police station and reassigned to the Provincial Administrative and Resource Management Unit (Parmu).
Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 8, has ordered the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division 8 (RIDMD-8) to conduct a thorough investigation.
He said the police officer, reportedly under the influence of liquor when it happened, had also been placed under police custody to safeguard the integrity and impartiality of the investigation.
“PRO-8 reiterates its commitment to professionalism, discipline and accountability among its personnel,” said Capoy.
He assured the public that any form of misconduct would be dealt with by the PNP in accordance with the existing laws and PNP regulations.
The Can-avid town police station reminded its personnel that all members of the police force are required to observe proper conduct and responsible firearm handling at all times.
Any violation of existing laws, rules, and regulations would be dealt with accordingly through appropriate administrative and disciplinary actions, it said.
Both the municipal police station and PRO-8 assured the public of their commitment to professionalism, accountability and transparency in the police service.
