By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Pavia Municipal Police Station is investigating a brawl at a basketball tournament in Barangay Tigum on November 30, during which Barangay Captain Ferdinand Guillem allegedly fired warning shots.
The altercation began between two players during a basketball championship game and escalated as supporters from both sides joined the fight.
Major Harold Rendora, Pavia police chief, said the investigation is ongoing, as the individuals involved had already left the scene when police arrived.
“We are trying to gather evidence regarding what happened. If someone is found responsible, they will face the consequences,” Rendora said.
In a radio interview, Guillem said the fight began when a player named Shoti grappled with another player, Vincent. When Shoti got up, he allegedly punched Vincent, triggering a melee among their supporters.
Guillem said he took a handgun from a barangay tanod and fired three warning shots to de-escalate the situation.
“If I hadn’t fired, more people could have been hurt,” Guillem explained.
When asked about the legality of firing warning shots, Rendora noted that even police officers are generally prohibited from doing so.
Under the revised Philippine National Police Operational Procedure Manual released in September 2021, officers are not allowed to fire warning shots during operations unless they are outnumbered, overpowered, and in imminent danger.
“I’m not aware if barangay officials are allowed to fire warning shots,” Rendora said, adding that the police are reviewing the incident’s circumstances.
There were no formal complaints filed, but someone reportedly documented the incident, prompting an investigation into Guillem’s actions.
