An active police officer and a civilian were arrested during a hot pursuit operation on Tuesday afternoon, July 29, after they were linked to an alleged theft and illegal discharge of a firearm in Barangay Linao-Lipata, Minglanilla, Cebu.
Authorities identified the officer as a 45-year-old Police Staff Sergeant assigned to RMFB 7 and temporarily detailed as a driver at the Office of the Regional Staff. His companion, Joel, 41, is a resident of Minglanilla.
According to the police report, the two suspects allegedly forced their way into a furniture shop and took a cellphone from one of the victims. Another victim reported that the same suspects also entered a warehouse where one of them pulled out a firearm and allegedly declared, “Manyakis kami.”
Witnesses claimed that before fleeing, one of the suspects fired the weapon multiple times.
Both men now face charges of violation of domicile, illegal discharge of a firearm, and theft.
Cebu Police Provincial Office Acting Director Police Colonel Christopher Bermudez assured the public that the case is being handled seriously and fairly. He emphasized that due process and appropriate disciplinary actions will be enforced without bias.
The investigation remains ongoing.
