An off-duty policeman, who pulled out his service firearm, while a basketball dispute was being settled at the Lupong Tagapamayapa in Brgy. Granada, Bacolod City, was arrested at about 10:25 a.m. yesterday, his chief, Senior Insp. Richie Gohee, said.

Arrested was Senior Police Officer 1, Roberto Arrazola, 42, of Glendale Subdivision, Brgy. Granada in Bacolod, who is assigned to man the gate of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Gohee said.

Investigations showed that Arrazola and his group, and that of Omar Gabatanga were involved in a commotion Tuesday that was being settled by their barangay captain, Alfredo Talimodao in the Brgy. Granada hall yestreday.

Gohee said that when the party of Gabatanga refused a settlement, the suspect pulled out his gun and challenged the brother-in-law of Gabatanga, identified as Ryan Jereza, who served as witness during the commotion.

The wife of Gabatanga, Jaggie Mae, said that after seeing the gun, they ran away for fear that Arrazola would shoot them and went to police station 5 for help.

Gohee said that when they went to the barangay hall, they saw Arrazola, in civilian wear, with a bulk at his waistband, that, when frisked, turned out to be a .9 mm caliber pistol with serial number T6429-10A001137, a magazine, 15 ammunition, and a black pouch.

Arrazola presented a document indicating that the .9 mm caliber pistol was issued by the Philippine National Police, Gohee said.

Gabatanga’s wife said the dispute started when the friend of Arrazola, whose name was not disclosed, accused her husband of hurting them during the basketball tournament at Glendale Subdivision.

She said her husband was trying to pacify the argument between their friends that happened near their house.

She said they decided to report the incident it to the police station Tuesday but the group of Arrazola was also there.

To avoid trouble, she said, she texted her husband to fetch her but when he arrived, Arrazola and his friend hit him as he was removing his helmet.

Gohee said, both parties had reported their complaints and a hearing was set at about 9 a.m. at their Lupong Tagapamayapa yesterday, supposedly to settle them but the incident involving the group happened.

The DAILY STAR tried to reach Arrazola, but he refused to be interviewed.

NOPPO officer-in-charge, Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan said, they need a copy of the charge for the administration branch to evaluate the charges to be filed against Arrazola.

He also said they will not tolerate what Arrazola did, and he must face whatever charges will be filed against him.

The seized firearm will be turned over to the NOPPO crime laboratory, while Arrazola, who is now detained at the lock-up cell of station 5, has been charged for violation of Commission on Elections gun ban, and grave threat before the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office.*SGG

back to top