By: Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – The National Police Commission (Napolcom)-6 will investigate the involvement of a police officer in two shooting incidents in Negros Occidental last month.
Napolcom-6 director Joseph Celiz said they will conduct a two-day investigation here, as he ordered Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, Negros Occidental police director to turn over all documents and their own findings about the incident.
“We will assume jurisdiction of the case, and we will conduct our own investigation as well,” he added.
Police Corporal Romnick Pacificar is under police custody after he allegedly shot three persons in separate incidents in the towns of Hinigaran and Pontevedra last August 27.
Pacificar, who was reportedly drunk, allegedly shot 20-year-old Jiene Mar Baya when he mistook him for an alleged thief in Hinigaran town.
Pacificar also allegedly shot Aldwin Provido, who was supposed to help him when he fell from his motorcycle in Pontevedra town during his escape.
Provido’s companion, Billy Mindanao was also hit by a stray bullet.
Pacificar surrendered to the police and also turned over his government issued caliber .9mm pistol (Glock 17) with six live ammunitions.
Baleros placed Pacificar on floating status as he is facing investigation before the Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) following the two incidents.
Pacificar, a former member of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), is facing criminal charges for attempted murder and frustrated murder in relation to the Pontevedra incident while additional charges for attempted homicide was also filed against him in relation to the Hinigaran incident.
“In any organization, there are rotten potatoes or bad eggs, we will not allow them to commit violations. Napolcom, as supervisor of the Philippine National Police (PNP), is very objective in enforcing the law, without fear or favor or biases,” Celiz said.
Celiz said they are hoping to come up with the results of their investigation in two weeks.
