Raps filed vs trigger-happy Pasig policeman who blamed booze, bro

Administrative and criminal charges have been filed against a Pasig City policeman who on Dec. 19 fired his gun indiscriminately while on a motorbike and damaged his neighbor’s house in Tondo, Manila

P01 Ronel Pantig claimed that he only did it because he had an altercation with one of his brothers as they were having a drink. He also apologized profusely when reporters were earlier allowed to interview him.

“I’m really sorry for what I did. I was drunk and bitter over a family matter,” Pantig said. “I haven’t bothered checking social media ever since because it will only hurt me even more. ”

Chief Supt. Romulo Sapitula, director of the Eastern Police District which has jurisdiction over the Pasig police, said Pantig was being charged with illegal discharge of firearm in the Manila prosecutor’s office and is also facing administrative complaints for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

According to initial reports, Pantig was on a motorcycle with a female companion when he fired seven shots unprovoked around 1:35 a.m. at the corner of A. Rivera and La Torre Streets, Barangay 245, Zone 22, where he also resides. At least one shot hit the door and wall of his neighbor, Anthony Tan.

The incident was captured on a closed-circuit television camera in the area.

Pantig was disarmed and placed under restrictive custody—not at large, as reported Tuesday—after he appeared before acting Pasig police chief, Senior Supt. Orlando Yebra Jr., on Dec 20.

According to Pantig’s superior, Senior Insp. Joerell Calipusan, commander of the Pasig police Precinct 7, he was cited for absenteeism and neglect of duty in November.

Now in his mid-20s, Pantig joined the police after graduating from the Philippine College of Criminology.