Rookie cop arrested for indiscriminate firing in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines — A 27-year-old rookie policeman was arrested for alleged indiscriminate firing as he threatened a civilian in Quezon City.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel identified the police officer as PO1 Paul Evaristo, presently assigned with Marikina Police Station and resident of Bantayog St., Concepcion Uno in Marikina City.

Police said that a 35-year-old motorcycle rider named Juan Abaroa reported to the Anonas Police Station about an incident between him and Evaristo on January 21.

Abaroa told police that he was traveling along Katipunan Avenue, on his way to visit a friend, when Evaristo, aboard a black motorcycle, suddenly cut his lane.

The civilian-clad Evaristo, who was on his way home from duty, then flagged down Abaroa along Carriedo St. Balara Filter in Brgy. Pansol and confronted him. A verbal tussle ensued.

The verbal fight escalated when Evaristo allegedly took out his service firearm from his motorcycle’s compartment and fired.

Abaroa, authorities said, decided to leave but Evaristo allegedly tailed him until they reached Brgy. Pansol where Abaroa sought the help of some village watchmen.

Evaristo immediately followed Abaroa to the barangay hall and ordered him to sit on the floor but was ignored by Abaroa.

This, police said, further irked Evaristo, who fired his gun again.

Moments later, responding policemen from Novaliches Police Station arrived and arrested Evaristo.

Authorities confiscated Evaristo’s issued firearm – a 9MM caliber pistol pietro beretta, 13 ammunitions, a spent shell for caliber .9MM pistol, and his Yamaha Nmax Matt Black motorcycle.

Evaristo was brought to Novaliches Police Station and eventually turned over to QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) in Camp Karingal. He was charged with illegal discharge of firearm and grave threat. /kga