Cop arrested in Parañaque for grave threats, illegal discharge of firearms vs minors

A police officer in Parañaque City was arrested on Christmas Day after he fired his gun in front of three minors when he confronted them for their noise and use of firecrackers, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.

In a statement, the NCRPO said the 28-year-old patrolman assigned to the Maritime Group was arrested around 12:10 a.m. on Culdesac Road in Barangay Sun Valley.

“Based on the complaint, the incident stemmed from the minors’ noise and use of firecrackers,” the NCRPO said.

“The suspect allegedly confronted the children, drew his PNP-issued 9mm firearm, and fired shots indiscriminately in front of them, causing fear, shock, and emotional distress to the minors aged 10, 12, and 15 years old,” it added.

The minors with their guardians filed a complaint against the cop for grave threats in relation to the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, as well as for indiscriminate discharge of firearms.

Recovered were the suspect’s PNP-issued firearm with one magazine loaded with three live ammunition, one empty cartridge case of a 9mm firearm, and PNP identification card.

NCRPO chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin strongly condemned the incident and reiterated the police force’s non-tolerance policy toward misconduct, particularly involving children.

“Walang puwang sa PNP ang anumang uri ng pang-aabuso, lalo na kung ang biktima ay mga bata. Ang pagiging pulis ay hindi lisensya para manakot o gumamit ng dahas. We will ensure that the law is applied equally, regardless of rank or position,” Aberin said.

(There is no room in the PNP for any kind of abuse, especially if the victims are children. Being a police officer is not a license to intimidate or use violence.)

The NCRPO remains committed to protecting children, upholding human rights, and enforcing discipline within the police organization.

The suspect remains under police custody and will face appropriate charges in court, while parallel administrative proceedings will be initiated in accordance with existing PNP rules and regulations, according to the NCRPO. —VAL, GMA Integrated News