SWAT member relieved from post
The Special Weapons and Tactics team member arrested last Sunday for allegedly pointing a gun at a taxi driver was relieved from his post and assigned to the provincial headquarters while the investigation is going on.
Senior Superintendent Noel Gillamac, provincial director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, said he directed the chief of investigation to conduct precharge evaluation on the case of Police Officer 1 Joseph Alberca.
Alberca, a SWAT member assigned in Santander, allegedly pointed a gun at taxi driver Victor Patoria.
Alberca was then brought to Cebu City Medical Center and was made to undergo a liquor test, which proved he was under the influence of liquor at the time.
“If and when, mapamatud-an, there is basis, we will file a case against that personnel for possible administrative case,” said Gillamac.
Gillamac said as of now, he will assign Alberca at the provincial headquarters to face the investigation.
In his conversation with the police chiefs who were previously Alberca’s superiors, Gillamac said Alberca appeared to have a very good record.
“I don’t know what happened but as I’ve said, we will conduct investigation,” said Gillamac.
Earlier, Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Superintendent Prudencio Tom Bañas said Philippine National Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina wants Alberca out of the organization after hearing the news.
“Well, we have to undergo a process. We cannot just dismiss PNP personnel. So there is an investigation and to give him due process,” explained Gillamac.