THE policeman who was involved in a shooting incident on Rizal Street in Barangay 26, Bacolod City on June 19, 2022, was released after his 36-hour reglementary period lapsed past noon Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
Major Ritchie Gohee, commander of Police Station 4, confirmed the release of Police Master Sergeant Jeff Desucatan of Barangay Alijis.
Gohee said Desucatan, who is assigned at Police Station 2, had reached a settlement with the victim, Richard Jimenez, 30, a construction worker.
Jimenez already executed an affidavit of desistance.
Investigation showed that Desucatan was walking when Jimenez confronted and threatened him, prompting the policeman to draw his gun and fire a warning shot.
But because the victim persisted and attempted to hurt him, Desucatan was left with no choice but to shoot the latter on his left foot, the police said.
Aside from Jimenez, bystander Jorem Sibug, 24, of Barangay 27, was also hit by a stray bullet.
Meanwhile, Gohee said the City Prosecutor’s Office did not accept the complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury filed by Sibug against the policeman for lack of probable cause.
He said the victim failed to present a witness to prove that he passed by in the area on Sunday morning and the bullet was not retrieved from his stomach that could serve as evidence in the case.
Gohee added that Desucatan can report to Police Station 2 while the administrative complaint to be filed by the Philippine National Police is still ongoing.