Palawan policewoman under restrictive custody over alleged gunfire in San Vicente

A policewoman assigned to the San Vicente Municipal Police Station has been placed under restrictive custody following an alleged indiscriminate discharge of a firearm in Barangay Santo Niño, San Vicente, Palawan, on October 4.

The Palawan Police Provincial Office said the incident occurred at around 4 p.m. after a 45-year-old fisherman identified as alias Ernie reported a verbal altercation with another individual, alias Dan, at a billiard area.

During the confrontation, the policewoman, identified as alias Marie, 37, allegedly drew her issued service firearm while standing about five meters away and fired it, according to the police report.

The complainant reportedly left the area and went home after the incident, which allegedly caused alarm and disturbance.

Personnel of the San Vicente Municipal Police Station were dispatched to verify the report. The policewoman subsequently surrendered her issued firearm and was placed under restrictive custody pending the investigation.

The Palawan Internal Affairs Service has initiated a motu proprio investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged gunfire.

In a statement, the Palawan Police Provincial Office said it would not tolerate violations of discipline among its personnel and that appropriate administrative and/or criminal action would be pursued if warranted by the evidence.

The office also urged the public to refrain from speculative comments that could prejudice the fair and impartial resolution of the case.