Misamis Occ. cop regrets viral gun-toting, faces Napolcom raps

A police corporal from Misamis Occidental, Philippines, has expressed deep regret over a viral video showing him allegedly brandishing his service weapon during an argument with a civilian. The incident occurred in Barangay Antipolo, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, where the officer, identified as Police Corporal Henry Boquida Jr., reportedly pointed his gun at a civilian. The video quickly gained attention online, sparking public concern and prompting disciplinary action from the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

According to Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan, the incident took place last week and led to Boquida being relieved from his duties, disarmed, and placed under restrictive custody. During a press briefing held at the Napolcom headquarters in Quezon City, Boquida admitted to the actions captured in the video. He described the situation as arising from a personal dispute involving a comment made about his wife. “I regret the shortcoming I had,” he stated in Filipino, expressing remorse for his behavior.

Boquida also acknowledged that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. He emphasized that his decision to act was impulsive and urged fellow officers to handle conflicts differently. “If we have a problem, don’t just drink it away. Let’s just pray about it to the Lord and read the Bible to be enlightened on the challenges in our lives,” he advised during the briefing.

Calinisan confirmed that the meeting between him and Boquida lasted approximately an hour. He noted that while the video depicted a man seemingly angry and agitated, the reality was quite different. “He was extremely remorseful, very different from what we saw in the video,” Calinisan remarked, highlighting the contrast between the officer's demeanor during the briefing and the image presented in the footage.

Despite Boquida's expressions of regret, the Napolcom Zamboanga Peninsula branch will proceed with administrative cases against him for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. These charges reflect the seriousness of the incident and the need for accountability within law enforcement. The Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office had already taken steps to remove Boquida from active duty following the incident.

The case underscores broader issues within the Philippine police force regarding discipline and the handling of personal disputes among officers. It has prompted discussions about the importance of maintaining professional standards and addressing underlying problems such as stress and conflict resolution. The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with wearing a uniform and carrying a weapon, emphasizing the need for continuous training and support for police personnel.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice is served and that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome of the administrative proceedings will likely set a precedent for how such matters are handled within the police department. Meanwhile, the community awaits further developments, hoping that this incident leads to positive changes in policing practices and greater accountability among officers.