By Jennifer P. Rendon
A member of the Kalibo Municipal Police Station found himself in hot water after he was caught drinking beer while on duty during the Ati-Atihan Festival.
The incident happened during one of the festival’s side events on Jan. 17 at the old building of the Kalibo MPS in 19 Martyrs St. Kalibo.
Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, Western Visayas police chief, did not identify the policeman.
But it was gathered that he is an investigator with the rank of police corporal.
One of the several CCTVs connected to the Ati-atihan Joint Operation Center (AJOC) caught the policeman taking a gulp of beer from a can while in official uniform.
He was with several other policemen but they were not seen drinking alcoholic beverages.
According to reports, the corporal’s wife, also a police personnel assigned at the Aklan Provincial Mobile Force Company, gave the beer to her husband.
The policewoman, who was not on duty, was joining the traditional Sadsad at the time of the incident.
Police sources said there might be no intent for the cop to consume the can of beer to the last drop but it was a lapse of judgment to drink liquor while on duty, much more in a public place while wearing a police uniform.
He was made to submit an affidavit to explain his side of what happened.
The Aklan Police Provincial Office has already conducted an initial investigation on the incident but is yet to submit a report to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6.
When asked for the disposition of the case, Villaflor briefly said, “pinakasuhan ko na.”
The region’s top cop has also warned other policemen in the region to practice proper decorum, especially while in public places.
He said that conduct that goes against the PNP rules and regulations would be dealt with accordingly.
