4 cops sacked for indiscriminate firing

VICENTE LIM, Laguna — Four police officers have been relieved from their posts for alleged involvement in an indiscriminate firing incident in Lucena, Quezon on Saturday.

Ordered relieved were Police Officers 1 Jerial Suarez, Robert Quierrez and Maynard Derama and Police Officer 2 Michelle Eyatid.

Suarez is a member of the National Capital Region Police Office.

The three others belong to the Burdeos police station.

The four officers reportedly violated a policy of the Philippine National Police prohibiting its members from frequenting public places such as bars and night clubs, especially when they are under the influence of liquor.

They were arrested along with their civilian companions Jose Capus and Emer Quirrez based on a complaint filed by bar manager Vladimir Calisol and security guards Jennely Aviles and Maria Fe Glor.

The four officers are detained at the Lucena City jail and will be subjected to paraffin and alcohol tests, according to Quezon police director Senior Superintendent Rhoderick Armamento.

The suspects, who were reportedly drunk, entered the Central Park Garden Café and Bar in Barangay Ilayang Dupay at around 3:30 a.m.

Suarez reportedly pulled out a gun and fired several shots, causing tension among the customers and employees, Lucena police chief Superintendent Reynaldo Maclang said.