Rookie cop on training caught with unlicensed firearm

PNP.GOV.PH PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—PO1 Claudio Gorgonia III, a rookie who has been undergoing field training, may have effectively lost his opportunity to become a full-fledged cop after his arrest for possession of an unlicensed firearm in Mandaluyong City, Tuesday night.

Gorgonia, 26, was in the Philippine National Police’s field training program. The program is said to be the “on-the-job training” of rookie cops.

After completion of this stage, Gorgonio was supposed to graduate and become an official member of the force, said the PNP.

The arrested rookie was training at National Capital Region Training Center in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City before the incident.

Last Tuesday night, according to a report, a concerned citizen called the police about a “very drunk” Gorgonia, who was also brandishing a hand gun, in a karaoke place on San Rafael Street in Barangay Plainview.

The police collected a Colt MK IV pistol loaded with five bullets after responding to the call. The firearm is unlicensed, according to PO3 Ambrocio Gam.

However, the police also added that if Gorgonia was found “liable for his actions,” he would be dismissed from training and would no longer be allowed to serve in the PNP.

He is also facing cases for alarm and scandal and is now detained at the Mandaluyong City Police Station. The arrested officer is now awaiting inquest proceedings.

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