Cop faces raps over bar shooting

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – A police officer is facing charges of murder and frustrated murder in connection with a shooting at an entertainment bar in Concepcion, Iloilo on Thursday.

Police Officer 1 JV Longno of the regional public safety battalion was detained after he allegedly shot bar owner John Namod, 44, and bar helper Lindy Franco, 22, in a karaoke bar in Barangay Loong.

Namod died from a gunshot to the head while Franco was taken to the Western Visayas Medical Center in this city for  treatment of a gunshot wound in the leg.

Chief Inspector Jonathan Pinuela, town police chief, said Longno was furious after Franco did not allow him to sing, as it was closing time.

An argument broke out between the bar helper and the police officer, who was allegedly drunk.

Namod tried to pacify them, but a brawl ensued.

Longno allegedly pulled out his service firearm and shot Franco and Namod.

The officer fled after the shooting and later surrendered to his superior, Inspector Rico Sta. Ana.

Record showed Longno was previously assigned at the nearby Ajuy police station, but his superior requested that he be transferred for misbehaving.