Napolcom pushes mental health programs

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) announced Wednesday that it is pursuing administrative charges against a Pasig City police officer involved in a drunken gun-toting incident at a local gasoline station.

Police Staff Sgt. Ryne Rene R. Balisi of the Pasig City Police was presented during a press briefing at the Napolcom Central Office in Quezon City.

Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan stated that a formal administrative complaint for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer had been filed against Balisi.

The charges stem from a 25 October incident in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City. Cellphone video captured an off-duty and visibly intoxicated Balisi walking unsteadily along Sandoval Avenue while brandishing his service firearm and pointing it at a civilian vehicle being refueled.

Barangay authorities responded after a concerned citizen requested assistance, leading to Balisi’s arrest by Pasig police officers.

Balisi has since posted bail on criminal charges but remains in restrictive custody at the Eastern Police District headquarters pending administrative proceedings.

Calinisan condemned the officer’s actions, emphasizing that personal stress does not justify public drunkenness or threatening civilians with a firearm.

“All of us face problems, but resolving our problems through drinking, causing trouble, pulling out a gun, and affecting other people — that is unacceptable,” Calinisan said.