By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A police officer in Negros Occidental is under investigation for reportedly shooting three individuals in two separate shooting incidents earlier this week. Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, said the Provincial Internal Affairs Service will subject Police Corporal Romnick Pacificar to a motu proprio investigation, which are conducted without the requirement of a formal complaint, regarding possible administrative liability.
In addition, the two involved police stations will also look into the alleged criminal offenses.
Baleros, who spoke with Pacificar at NOPPO headquarters yesterday, said the officer, who was assigned to the Negros Occidental Public Safety Mobile Force Company, has been placed on “floating status” following the incident.
The incident began around 8:00 p.m. in front of a sari-sari store in Hinigaran’s Barangay Gargato, where Pacificar and two companions were preparing to have a drink.
According to Hinigaran municipal police chief, Police Major James Latayon, the suspect reportedly confronted 20-year-old Jiene Mar Baya, who was talking to his father. The officer asked Baya if he was a local resident.
“While they were having a conversation, Pacificar reportedly fired his gun at him when he saw the latter getting something from his pocket, which he thought was a gun,” Latayon explained.
The local police chief noted, the victim was supposedly reaching for his mobile phone.
Baya sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and was rushed to a private hospital in Bacolod City, while Pacificar fled on his motorcycle.
Police recovered two empty 9mm shells; however, Latayon said he is not sure if they were from Pacificar’s issued firearm.
While making his escape, the suspect was involved in an accident in Pontevedra’s Barangay M.H. Del Pilar.
Pontevedra municipal police chief, Police Captain Rhojn Darell Nigos, said, after Pacificar fell from his motorcycle, Aldwin Provido, who was also abroad a motorcycle, along with his companion, Billy Mindanao, saw the suspect and tried to assist him. However, as they approached, Provido was shot, while his companion was struck by a stray bullet.
Both were rushed to the Valladolid District Hospital.
Pacificar eventually surrendered to Nigos and turned over his issued Glock 17 firearm with six live 9mm bullets. The Pontevedra police chief said Pacificar claimed he thought the two were relatives of the first victim seeking revenge.
Nigos said it was unclear if he were intoxicated at the time of the crime.
Baleros said such “invalid” actions of a police officer will not be tolerated and plans to recommend Pacificar’s transfer to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit at Police Regional Office-6 headquarters in Iloilo City while he is being investigated.
The suspect faces attempted homicide charges in relation to the Hinigaran incident, along with frustrated homicide and attempted murder charges with regard to the Pontevedra incident.
Pacificar has yet to comment on the allegations./DGB, WDJ