By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – A police officer was relieved from his post for using his service firearm as a signal to start a boat race during the town’s fiesta celebration in Northern Samar on Aug. 20, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said on Monday.
Fajardo also said aside from the cop, his chief of police at the Lavezares Municipal Police Station in Northern Samar, has also been relieved from the post.
In a special order signed by Northern Samar Police Provincial Office Director Col. Sonnie Omengan on Aug. 24, Police Master Sergeant Jimmy Florano was reassigned to the provincial headquarters following the incident.
The PNP said the Northern Samar incident is “unacceptable.”
“While the act may have been non-hostile and did not result in harm or damage, it nonetheless constitutes a clear deviation from established protocols on firearm use,” the PNP said in a statement.
It said firearms are issued strictly for legitimate law enforcement operations and must never be used for ceremonial, symbolic, or non-operational purposes without explicit clearance and proper authority.
The PNP leadership enjoins all personnel to exercise utmost caution, sound judgment, and full compliance with existing rules and regulations.
“Discipline in firearm handling is not only a measure of professionalism but also an essential element in sustaining public trust and confidence in the police service,” it added. (PNA)
