AN ACTIVE member of the Philippine Army was arrested by the Tagum City Police after being involved in a gun-toting incident and illegal discharge of firearms on October 13 along Ferido Street, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
Based on the police report, a concerned citizen informed the Tagum City Police Station at 2:53 a.m. Sunday about the incident that transpired at Sherly KTV Bar in Tagum City.
This resulted in the arrest of the suspect identified as Corporal Edmond Natores Quilaton, 36, and a resident of Purok 13-Maniki Kapalong, Davao del Norte. He is an active member of the Philippine Army, currently assigned at 101 DRC, 1001st Brigade, Maco, Compostela Valley.
Recovered from his possession is one unit Glock 17 (serial number AFP 040778) with four magazines and 40 live ammunition.
Initial investigation revealed that around 1:20 a.m. at Sherly Sari-Sari Store and Videoke Bar, Quilaton was drinking when he suddenly pointed a gun at Sheryl and three other customers. He then went outside and fled. A few minutes later, they heard successive gun shots outside.
The suspect is at Tagum City Police Station for proper disposition.
"Any responsible gun owner knows that you do not point a pistol at anything or anybody you do not want to destroy or kill. I am sure that the AFP as well does not condone this kind of actuation and that any similar incident will be investigated and proper disciplinary action will be instituted," Police Regional Office-Davao Director Marcelo Morales said in a statement.
Morales added government-issued firearms should not be brought to public drinking and amusement places and other commercial or public establishments.
The AFP personnel will be facing charges for grave threat and illegal discharge of firearm before the Prosecutor's Office aside from the administrative sanctions.