By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The rookie cop accused of pointing her service firearm at a civilian last month issued a statement before the National Police Commission-Region VI (Napolcom-6) office, claiming she and another woman were being harassed by the complainant.

In a radio interview, Napolcom-6 spokesperson Allen Camering said Police Officer 1 (PO1) Kriscel Mae Doctora visited their office last Monday to give her statement regarding the incident.

Camering said Doctora claimed she was acting in self-defense after the victim, Rexie Panoncillo, sexually harassed her friend by touching her legs.

Doctora said Panoncillo tried to choke her amid their argument, which resulted in the police officer aiming her 9mm service pistol at the victim.

Camering stated Doctora also gave a written explanation of the incident, including several supporting documents.

He added, Doctora could face grave misconduct charges if they could find any substantial evidence over the incident.

Doctora was earlier relieved from her post as member of Police Station 8 (PS8) following the incident, along with Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) ordering the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to disarm her.

She is presently assigned at BCPO headquarters in Barangay Taculing while an investigation is ongoing./DGB, WDJ