Negros cop used as shooting target by superior

MANILA, Philippines - A police superintendent and officer-in-charge of a city police station in Negros Occidental is facing charges for allegedly using one of his men as his target during practice shooting.

Supt. Frederick Mead of the Victorias City police is facing charges of neglect of duty for wounding Police Officer 1 Marvin Gustilo.

Reports said the incident occurred on the morning of May 19 at the Victorias Shooters Association Target Range in Barangay 21.

The officers were participating in a two-day refresher course on firearm proficiency, which Mead himself initiated.

On the second day of training, Mead was showing his men how confidence firing is done.

Gustilo reportedly volunteered to hold the three balloons, which were Mead’s targets. He held two of the balloons with his hands and the other between his knees.

Mead was able to hit the first two balloons, but missed the last one, hitting Gustilo instead in the right knee.

He was relieved on May 20 and reinstated on June 13, after the conduct of an investigation.

His reinstatement was based on a policy of the National Police Commission prohibiting the relief of a police officer with a pending case.

Results of the investigation showed Mead committed negligence and that charges would be filed against him.

Negros Occidental police director Senior Supt. William Señoron said the case against Mead has been referred to the Philippine National Police-Regional Headquarters.