Police: Bodyguard’s gun not the one that hit Loot

CEBU, Philippines — The police are discounting speculations that the alleged personal bodyguard of Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot, arrested for brandishing an unlicensed firearm, was the same firearm used when Loot accidentally injured himself last May.

Superintendent Virgilion Bayon-on, spokesperson of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), said that the empty shells of the firearm recovered from retired Police Inspector Jose Dupay, 61,  resident of Barangay Poblacion, Daabantayan, was that of a .45 while the  firearm that hit Loot, was a .40 caliber.

"Dili na ta makaduda nga mao to ang firearm kay lahi man ang kalibre sa bala nga na-recover sa insidente kang Loot og sa na-recover sa iya," he said.

If the firearm matched, Loot might be in a hot water for having a personal guard without license.

However, Loot though has not surrendered the firearm that accidentally hit him.

He also previously denied that he employed Dupay.  He said that Dupay voluntarily asked to be part of his security detail.

To recall, Dupay was arrested last Tuesday dawn for illegal possession of firearms when he failed to present necessary documents.

Reports stated that he was caught demonstrating to a group of three men on how to dismantle a firearm.

Abrugena said that Dupay's firearm is still subject to a ballistic examination to cross match if it was connected to other criminalities.

"Standard operating procedure na ng Philippine National Police ang ipa-ballistic examination ang lahat ng baril na ma-confiscate," he said.

On the other hand, Bayon-on also said that Dupay’s pension may be stopped.

However, while the case for illegal possession of firearms is ongoing, he can still receive his pension.

"Samtang nagdagan ang kaso mamahimo pa makadawat og pensyon pero kung mogawas na ang hukom sa korte, maputol ni," Bayon-on said. (FREEMAN)