PNP: Cop in Maragondon, Cavite resort shooting to face dismissal proceedings

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered dismissal proceedings against a police officer tagged in a deadly shooting at a resort in Maragondon, Cavite that left a fellow police officer and a civilian dead.

In a statement, the PNP said its chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also directed Cavite police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and preserve all evidence that could establish the criminal and administrative liabilities of those involved.

“Law enforcers carry the heavy burden of public trust, and throwing caution to the wind through reckless behavior and alcohol abuse is completely unacceptable,” Nartatez said.

“Those sworn to protect lives chose instead to endanger them in a senseless, drunken altercation,” he added.

The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Cavite resort, where two cops allegedly engaged in a shootout following the birthday celebration of the newly installed Maragondon police chief.

One police officer and a civilian were killed in the incident, while another police officer was wounded and is now in stable condition.

A police officer assigned to the Trece Martires Component City Police Station was arrested at the scene.

Meanwhile, the Maragondon police chief was immediately relieved from his post and placed under the Cavite Police Holding and Administrative Support (PHAS) pending investigation.

Nartatez said the PNP would not tolerate misconduct regardless of an officer's rank or status.

“I remind all our personnel to exercise discipline, responsibility, and restraint at all times. We will not tolerate misconduct, regardless of rank or status. Being off duty does not exempt any police officer from following the law and PNP rules,” he said.

“I demand a speedy resolution of this case, even if it means that heads must roll,” he added.—AOL, GMA News