‘Drunk’ town councilman nabbed for loose firearm

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – A village councilman who was reportedly drunk was arrested for alleged alarm and scandal and illegal possession of firearm at a restobar in Barangay Bacuyangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental last Saturday.

Police identified the suspect as Kagawad John Jose Celiz, 48, of Barangay II.

Police Major Clifford Batadhay, town police chief, said Celiz had a drinking session with some companions when they were informed by the owner that the restobar will be closed soon because of the 9 p.m. curfew in the town.

Celiz, however, insisted and reportedly acted rude and allegedly drew and pointed a gun at the wife of the restobar owner, prompting him to call for police assistance, Batadhay said.

“Nangakig siya siguro kay manira na tungod sa curfew,” Batadhay said.

Police recovered from Celiz a .22-caliber revolver loaded with nine live ammunition, which will be subjected to license verification.

He was taken and detained at the police station where he allegedly shouted at officers.

Batadhay claimed that Celiz even destroyed the edging of the concrete partition of the comfort room inside the facility.

Batadhay said that his deputy police chief, assisted by a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) pacified Celiz, but he instead reportedly threw a stone at them, hitting the BPAT member’s head.

He added that past complaints were filed against Celiz for his unruly behavior when he is drunk.

“Sang una abi ga maoy gid na sya kuno kung makainom,” he added.

He said Celiz will be facing additional charges for damage to property and physical injury.