‘Drunk’ cop accused of gun poking, indiscriminate firing

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Sober and calm, a 38-year-old policeman turned himself in to his fellow officers after he was accused of poking a handgun and indiscriminate gun firing in Jaro, Iloilo City.

Police Staff Sergeant Nico Galvesolo, a resident of Block 5-B, Relocation Site, Barangay Buntatala, Jaro, surrendered to the Iloilo City Police Station 3 around 8:45 a.m. of August 6, more than 12 hours after he allegedly pulled the stunts.

Galvesolo is an organic member of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO)’s General Service Office but is on detailed service to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 at Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City.

He was subjected to a manhunt operation Saturday evening after he allegedly poked his gun at four youngsters in Buntatala around 8 p.m.

Alias Bryan, 19; Joel, 20; Kevin, 21, and Jun, 16, all residents of Buntatala village, claimed the policeman poked a gun at them for no apparent reason or cause.

Joel narrated that he came from a basketball when he bumped into the cop. He already noticed that Galvesolo was walking in an unsteady manner.

Joel claimed he casually asked Galvesolo if the “foundation” was already over.

It was gathered that Galvesolo attended their alumni homecoming that coincided with their high school’s foundation anniversary.

But instead of answering him, the cop allegedly pointed a gun at him. He then saw the cop tuck the gun into the back portion of his waist.

Joel said he immediately scampered.

The three other teens also claimed that Galvesolo also poked a gun at them.

When responding policemen arrived, the cop already escaped.

Witnesses also claimed he repeatedly fired his gun on the ground.

Captain Lester Oliveros, ICPS3 chief, said Galvesolo admitted to having indiscriminately fired his gun.

But he denied poking his gun at anyone.

“But we’ll be checking CCTV footage in the area to verify their counter-claims,” he said.

Meanwhile, Colonel Joeresty Coronica, ICPO director, said that a motu proprio investigation will be initiated by the City Internal Affairs Service against the suspect.