A police officer assigned in Lopez, Quezon, was caught on CCTV firing a gun and threatening civilians outside a store in Lucena City while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
According to a 24 Oras Weekend report, the incident took place around 2 a.m. on Saturday in Barangay Ibabang Dupay. The footage showed the man, later identified as Patrolman Rodolfo Avila Madlang-awa, yelling and aggressively searching for someone outside the store while pointing a gun.
“Where’s your companion?” he shouted, demanding answers from those inside the store. At one point, he thrust his hand with the firearm through the store’s window and discharged the weapon.
Fearing for their safety, the store staff locked the metal grill once the man moved away.
Initial investigation revealed that the officer had first come to the store to buy ice. However, tension escalated when another man arrived to purchase cigarettes. Without warning, the officer allegedly drew his gun on him. Two more customers arrived and were also threatened, prompting the store owner to usher them inside for protection.
The suspect was later turned over to authorities by his own brother and is now detained at the Lucena Custodial Facility.
Quezon Police Provincial Office Acting Provincial Director Police Colonel Romulo Albacea vowed accountability. “I will ensure, as your provincial director, that he will be punished and dismissed from the service,” he said.
The Police Regional Office Calabarzon also issued a strong statement condemning the incident. “No one is above the law, regardless of rank or position,” said Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, regional director.
The officer is facing multiple criminal charges, including grave threats, unjust vexation, physical injury, and illegal discharge of a firearm. He will also be charged administratively for conduct unbecoming of a police officer, with officials confirming that dismissal proceedings are underway.
