Saturday, November 11, 2006 Speak out: Trigger-happy policeman By (Writer’s name withheld)
I am writing this letter to protest the abusive conduct of a policeman.
He is enjoined to observe the proper use of a firearm and to act with propriety in the discharge of his duties.
Recklessness could cost life or at least imperils one's limb.
The harrowing experience with this policeman prompted me to expose his propensity to abuse his authority.
The incident occurred during the recently concluded fiesta celebration in Talisay City last Oct. 15, 2006.
We were the invited guests and dined at Calachuchi, Cansojong.
We were in festive mood when a commotion took place at around 4 p.m.
Suddenly, a person in civilian clothes, accompanied by a Talisay cop carrying an armalite rifle, came running to our direction yelling like he was looking for somebody.
He was inebriated.
He then discriminately fired his gun forcing us to scamper for safety.
Luckily, no one was hurt.
Unfazed by the onlookers, he tried to force his way into the house adjacent to the one where we hid.
The vehement opposition of the owners, however, prevailed.
The person in civilian clothes was a policeman detailed at Camp Sergio Osmeña.
We singled him out because of his ruthless conduct.
The cop illegally discharged his firearm, or was at least liable for alarm and scandal.
He was not performing his lawful duty at that time.
There was no reason either for doing so because it was not a case of a person caught flagrante delicto.
But even if that were the case, his act was still unjustifiable and unwarranted.
It is disturbing to see a policeman that indiscriminately and recklessly fires his gun.
I hope that this belated protest will not diminish its veracity and that there will be investigation on the matter.
It is unthinkable to see the policeman end up being unscathed and unpunished despite his tortuous conduct.
That will embolden him to be trigger happy, especially when he gets drunk.
