The National Police Commission (Napolcom) will pursue administrative charges against a Pasig City police officer who allegedly pointed his service firearm at a vehicle while intoxicated at a gasoline station on Oct. 25.
In a statement on Wednesday, Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said that a formal complaint was already filed against the officer who faces charges of Grave Misconduct and Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer.
Videos of the incident allegedly showed the intoxicated officer walking unsteadily with his service firearm and pointing it at a vehicle being refueled along Sandoval Ave.
He was reportedly arrested after barangay authorities responded to a concerned citizen’s request for assistance.
The officer reportedly posted bail but remains under restrictive custody at the Eastern Police District headquarters as the administrative case proceeds.
Calinisan condemned the alleged misconduct, saying personal problems could not justify drunken behavior, threatening civilians, or the irresponsible use of firearms.
‘We all have problems, but dealing with them by drinking, causing trouble, pulling out firearms, and harming others is unacceptable,’ he said.
‘More is expected from us. I think we fell short here and damaged the public’s trust, that’s why we need to repair it by swiftly acting on this case, and imposing the correct punishment,’ Calinisan added.
He said such incidents weaken public trust in law enforcers who are expected to protect rather than intimidate.
Calinisan earlier called for a stricter screening of aspiring police officers and reforms in criminology education, saying entry into and advancement within the police service should be based on merit and a commitment to public service.
He also called for more support for police personnel’s mental health and welfare, citing the demands and pressures of police work.
Calinisan said the commission already recognized the need for such support during visits to police stations even before the incident.
‘Police work is very difficult and demanding,’ he added.
Napolcom coordinated with Dr. Miriam Cue, chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), to provide police personnel with mental health screening and access to professional consultations, Calinisan said.