Cop shoots fellow cop

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A drinking session ended in bloody fashion when a police officer allegedly shot a colleague at Barangay Fabrica, Sagay City, Negros Occidental Thursday night.

Wounded was Patrolman Axel Lago, 25, of Barangay Taba-ao. He is assigned in southern Negros.

Police Major Antonio Benitez, city police chief, said the incident happened when the victim and suspect identified as Corporal Elver Dela Cruz, 26, of Barangay Fabrica, decided to have some drinks after having dinner when they met earlier that day.

The two policemen, along with the victim’s uncle, drank and later argued at Dela Cruz’s house.

The two police officers were initially pacified but Dela Cruz allegedly drew and fired his issued .9mm caliber pistol at Lago.

Lago suffered two gunshot wounds on his back and was taken to a hospital.

Benitez said both policemen were classmates in college and were good friends.

Lago went on vacation via emergency pass due to an injury, he added.

Benitez said Dela Cruz, who was unharmed, was arrested when he accompanied Lago to the hospital.

Benitez said Lago was subjected to paraffin test to determine if he was also able to use his issued .9mm caliber in the incident.

Both firearms were turned over to the authorities for gunpowder residue test.

Benitez said that Dela Cruz, who is assigned in Zamboanga City, is detained at Sagay City Police Station and will be charged for frustrated murder.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) will also conduct an investigation to determine if Lago has an administrative liability for his involvement in the incident.