AN ACTIVE rookie police officer was arrested after he indiscriminately fired his service firearm seven times, which has caused fear among residents at Purok 9, Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City on Sunday, February 17.
Based on the police report, the incident happened about 3 p.m. on February 17.
Talomo Police Station received information from a concerned citizen seeking police assistance after a person believed to be under the influence of liquor was firing his firearm. He was later identified as Police Officer (PO1) Glonard Maneja, 31, assigned at Mobile Patrol group, DCPO, and resident of Malita, Davao Occidental.
Based on the initial investigation, the suspect, who was off duty at that time, had a heated argument with his live-in partner Ellah Milano, 24, inside the house they are renting. The verbal fight prompted him to fire his gun upward.
Responding police recovered from his possession and control a Glock 17 with serial number PNP 34082 with eight live ammunition. Likewise, seven empty cartridge cases were also recovered from the place of incident and were submitted to PNP Regional Crime Laboratory Office for ballistic examination.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum said they will not tolerate such action from their personnel.
This was not also the first time that a Davao cop has gotten into an incident like this. Last year, a police officer was arrested after he pointed a gun to a civilian and is now subject for dismissal.
“Pangalawa na ‘to. Sobra sobra na ang warning sa kapulisan na iwasan na maglasing at pinaka worse, magpaputok ng kanilang service firearm dahil unang-una, sabi ko sa kanila yong firearms ninyo is intended for self-defense at para sa sebisyo at hindi para gumawa ng abuso dahil number one ‘yan na hindi tinatanggap sa Davao City,” Tagum said.
Tagums said upon learning of the incident, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio fumed but he assured her that the erring police will meet the consequences of his action.
“Definitely pinangako ko kay Mayor natin na we will not tolerate this and we will throw the book against this PO1 Maneja para masampolan naman sa hanay ng kapulisan sa Davao City Police Office that we will not tolerate itong mga abusing katulad nito,” Tagum added.
Meanwhile, Tagum underscored that a pre-charge investigation is now ongoing and criminal and administrative charges are being prepared against Maneja.
For the criminal case, he will be facing charges for alarm and scandal and violation of the Omnibus Election Code or gun ban. They are also talking to Maneja on possible case of violence against women and their children (VAWC).
He also said the suspect already had a history of violence during his training days and was returned to his unit due to an attitude problem.
Maneja has been with DCPO for two years after his assignment at Police Regional Office (PRO 11).
Tagum said that Maneja will probably be dismissed from the service.