Cop charged for losing gun

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a police officer for “abandoning and neglecting” his issued firearm, violating Article 217 or the Malversation of Public Funds or Property of the Revised Penal Code.

Erwin Gonzales Barabad was issued with caliber 9mm (Glock 17) Gen 4 with serial number PNP 43650 valued at P51,243.50. The gun was lost after he allegedly left it inside his brother’s boarding house on Bonifacio Street, Barangay Parian, Cebu City.

Prosecutor III Alex Gabud, in his penned resolution, found probable cause to held Barabad for trial.

“If he is prudent enough and mindful of his obligation towards the government relative to the custody of the firearm Police Officer 1 (now called Patrolman) Barabad could have closed and locked the door or brought with him the sling bag which contained his issued firearm. He failed to exercise such diligence and by such failure he could be held liable for malversation,” read the resolution.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), in its complaint, said Barabad lost his firearm while taking personal necessity at the comfort room of his brother’s boarding house on April 22, 2018.

The bathroom is 50 meters away from his brother’s rented room, which was left open that time.

The incident was reported to Pari-an Police Station.

The prosecutor ruled in favor the PNP.

“Apparently, PO1 (now called Patrolman) Barabad was negligent in the handling and custody of his issued firearm as an accountable officer. It is also clear that his negligence consisted of his failure to take necessary precaution to keep his firearm under his care and protection all the time,” read the resolution. (FREEMAN)