NAPOLCOM relieves employee involved in EDSA gun-toting incident

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Monday relieved one of its employees of his duties after he was arrested for allegedly brandishing a firearm at a transport network vehicle service (TNVS) driver.

NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said Police Inspector III Jaime Hermogenes Flores Jr. has also been placed under the commission’s administrative holding unit pending the outcome of administrative proceedings.

During a press briefing, Flores apologized to the victim and to Calinisan.

“Humihingi po ako ng tawad dahil nabigo kong bitbitin ang antas at dangal na inyong itinataguyod at inaasahan sa akin bilang empleyado ng NAPOLCOM,” he said.

(I ask for forgiveness because I failed to uphold the standard and honor that you promote and expect from me as an employee of NAPOLCOM.)

Initial investigation by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) showed the incident stemmed from a vehicular collision between Flores and the TNVS driver along EDSA near Robinsons Galleria in Mandaluyong City on June 12.

Flores, who is assigned to NAPOLCOM’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service, was allegedly intoxicated when he drew his firearm and threatened the victim.

The NAPOLCOM employee is also facing a complaint for grave threats before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

The commission said a show-cause order has already been served, directing Flores to submit a written explanation within five days.

After this, NAPOLCOM will look into the complaint to see if there is enough basis to proceed with formal charges.

“Ang maipapangako namin ay magiging patas ang pagdinig sa kasong ito. Hindi dahil NAPOLCOM employee siya ay magiging pabor sa kanya ang magiging desisyon," he said.

(What we can promise is that the hearing for this case will be fair. His being a NAPOLCOM employee will not make the decision favorable to him.)

"The decision will be based on the evidence that will be gathered and presented,” Calinisan added.—MCG, GMA News