Cop who shot dog told to turn over gun for test

CEBU, Philippines – The police officer who reportedly shot his neighbor’s dog in Mandaue City was directed to turn over his service firearm to the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division-7 for ballistic examination.

Police Officer 1 Ronaldo Napigkit, 28, is in hot water after Rosalie Mahinay, 37, complained him for shooting her dog in their residence in Barangay Guizo, Mandaue City on February 14.

“Bulag,” originally named “Melji,” got blinded by gunpowder when Napigkit allegedly shot her but missed last year.

Last Valentine’s Day, Mahinay’s dog grazed her ear after she was hit by the bullet.

Mahinay filed a complaint against Napigkit for illegal discharge of firearm last February 24. She raised concern on the safety of her children and their neighbors who may get hit by Napigkit.

RIDMD-7 chief Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas said they have directed Napigkit to report to their office last Friday and submit an affidavit based on the complaint filed by Mahinay.

He said Napigkit was also instructed to bring with him his service firearm, a cal. 9 mm, which will be subjected to ballistic examination at the PNP crime laboratory.

Result of the examination will be matched with the empty shell that was reportedly recovered by Mahinay, said Lawas.

The RIDMD chief added that the result could serve as probable evidence in the filing of administrative charges against Napigkit.

In an earlier interview, Napigkit asked for forgiveness from Mahinay, who then told the media that she can forgive the policeman but she wanted him to learn his lesson in handling firearms properly.

RIDMD-7’s investigation on the case will help determine if Napigkit’s discharge of firearm could be justified, said Lawas.

Napigkit, who is assigned at the City Intelligence Branch of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, earlier claimed he shot the dog twice and even threw a stone at her out of fear of getting bitten. — (FREEMAN)