Police officer faces raps after shooting accident in Baguio bar

Baguio City, Philippines – A 38-year-old police officer assigned as a K9 handler in Cordillera is facing multiple charges following a shooting incident inside a bar in Baguio earlier this month.

The cop is facing cases for discharge of firearm under Article 254 of the Revised Penal Code, reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury, and COMELEC gun ban violation.

According to Baguio City Police Office, its officers from Station 2 were having a routine patrol when they heard two gunshots coming from inside a bar along Magsaysay Avenue. When they entered the establishment, witnesses identified the suspect, who was found in possession of firearm.

In a police interview with the female victim, 42, and a cashier at the bar, she recounted that the police corporal approached the counter to retrieve a sling bag he earlier surrendered. He appeared to be preparing to settle a bill when he pulled out his firearm, cocked it, and placed it on the counter. However, he accidentally fired his weapon, hitting the right arm of the cashier.

The victim was rushed to Baguio General Hospital for medical treatment.

Cases against the suspect was filed. He subsequently posted bail and is set to face arraignment and pre-trial proceedings in July.

BCPO Public Information Officer, PMAJ Mary Grace Marron noted that the officers were able to respond within the 3 to 5-minute response time directive of PNP Chief, Gen. Nicolas Torre III. The efficiency, she added, is attributed to the proactive deployment of cops in high-risk and accident-prone areas.