Two cops relieved after civilian shot in Cagayan de Oro
Two police officers were relieved from their posts after a civilian was shot during an alleged altercation in Barangay Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City on Monday evening.
According to the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), police received a report of gunfire and a citywide flash alarm was issued, prompting police units to look for the suspects and their reported getaway vehicle.
Personnel manning the Indahag Border Control Point later intercepted a gray motorcycle matching the description of the vehicle used to flee the area.
The two riders were identified as active PNP personnel assigned to the same border control post.
PNP Public Information Office chief PCol. Allen Rae Co said the shooting stemmed from a reported altercation between the victim and the police officers while they were at a fair.
“Initial information that we have gathered, ay nagpaputok, parang warning. At tinamaan po ‘yung isang civilian doon, ‘yung victim po natin,” Co said.
The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the upper thigh. He was brought to a hospital and is now in stable condition.
Co said investigators are looking into whether alcohol may have been involved in the altercation.
“Meron daw konting pinagtalunan, ‘yun po ay tinitingnan po natin mabuti but could possibly be, may under the influence of alcohol,” Co said.
“We do not tolerate these kinds of illegal actions or na magpapaputok, at worse ay may tinamaan pong kababayan,” he added.
They were taken into custody and their issued firearms were confiscated for examination.
PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the immediate relief of the two officers from their current posts. They are facing a criminal case for frustrated murder while administrative proceedings are also being prepared.
In a separate statement, COCPO director PCol. Dexter Paje said the police organization would not tolerate misconduct within its ranks.
“No one is above the law — not even our own. I do not and will never protect criminal acts committed by anyone wearing the uniform,” Paje said, adding that the investigation would be thorough, impartial and transparent.
He also assured the public that there would be no cover-up or special treatment in the case.