Pedicab driver attempts to shoot 2 policemen

MULTIPLE charges are being readied against a pedicab driver who tried to shoot members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Galo Street, Bacolod City on Tuesday evening.

Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director Ricardo De la Paz said Wednesday that the personnel of Station 4 are now preparing the documents for the filing of charges against Noel Cabrera, 30, a pedicab driver and resident of Galo Street, Barangay 20, Bacolod.

Investigation showed that around 6:30 p.m., PO1 Shaun Nelmida and PO1 Joemel Mialen, both assigned in Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Noppo), were walking along Galo Street when they saw the suspect pointing his firearm at an unidentified person, who was later identified as Eduardo Rodero, father-in-law of the suspect.

De la Paz said that when the police officers responded to the area, the suspect immediately pointed his firearm at them and pulled its trigger.

The firearm malfunctioned, thereby allowing the officers to shoot back at the suspect.

De la Paz said Cabrera sustained gunshot wounds in his left thigh and right leg and was rushed to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

The investigation also revealed that the suspect, who was observed to be drunk during the incident, tried to shot his father-in-law because of family feud.

Police recovered from him a .38 caliber revolver with three live ammunitions.

De la Paz said Cabrera is the first violator of the city-wide gun ban, which has been implemented for the MassKara Festival celebration.