Probe vs cop who shot dog

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman is facing investigation for shooting is neighbor’s dog using his service firearm.

The Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division learned about the incident after Rosalie Mahingay, a resident of Barangay Guizo, Mandaue, complained that PO1 Ronaldo Napigkit, 28, shot her dog evening on February 14.

When confronted, Mahinay said Napigkit told her he did so because the dog reportedly bit him. He, however, could not specify when it happened and which part of his body he was bitten.

“We will discuss with our investigator asa mo-qualify as far as administrative charges are concerned but definitely naa siya violation,” said Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas.

He said Napigkit’s act constitutes abuse against animals because he shot the dog deliberately. Napigkit also violated the policy on illegal discharge of firearms, which is prohibited.

 “Pagpabuto pa lang daan. Di lang kaisa,” he said.

Lawas said that Napigkit will be required to submit an official response to Mahinay’s complaint.

The dog, named originally as “Meljie,” is now called “Bulag” because while the shot missed her, the gun powder allegedly blinded her.

Mahinay alleged the February 14 incident was not the first because Napigkit allegedly shot the dog four times.

Napigkit, however, claimed he only shot the dog only twice – last February 14 and sometime last year. He said he was forced to pull his gun out when the dog tried to bite him. He admitted, nevertheless, that he threw a stone at the dog before.

Napigkit said he has a fear of dogs because he was bitten by one when he was 12 years old. When he was nine, another dog chased him during which his toe nail got broken.

 “But not to the extent tanang iro. Mahadlok ko sa mga isog na iro,” he said, sharing that he actually owns a Labrador, but the dog does not stay with him.

He also said he cried in the past when a dog he owned, which was of the same breed as Bulag, died.

Mahinay said she filed the complaint against Napigkit because she is concerned primarily for the safety of her children and her neighbors.

 “Giingnan ko niya na unya na ba daw ko mo-react kun makapaak na. Di mao sad akong giingon nga unya na lang sad ko mosulti nimo kon makaigo na imong bala,” she said.

Napigkit and his younger brother allegedly would often throw stones at Bulag, kick her, and hurt her every time they pass by the area in going to their house.

“Pasalbahan niya ang iro. Kadlawon gyud na niya buhaton. Magsige na siya og bitbit sa iyang armas, magsige og pakita, unya magtrapo-trapo, unya pabuthan niya ang iro ig-agi sa amo,” she said.

Mahinay said she can forgive Napigkit and only wants him to learn his lesson. Napigkit said he is willing to ask for forgiveness.

Napigkit is assigned at the City Intelligence Branch of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office and has been in the profession for three years. — (FREEMAN)