A 68-year-old retired military official was arrested after he allegedly brandished a gun during a traffic altercation in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City at noon Sunday.
Lawyer Marvin Pañares accused Mauricio Alejandro Santiago, who reportedly retired with the rank of colonel, of having a gun tucked in his waistband when they got entangled in a traffic altercation.
Police said Santiago was tailing Pañares while cruising along Gov. Cuenco Ave. towards the direction of barangay Talamban.
Upon reaching Crossroads in Banilad, Pañares signalled to turn right towards the commercial center, but Santiago allegedly kept on sounding his car horn.
This prompted the lawyer to get off his car and confront Santiago.
Pañares alleged that Santiago showed his gun tucked in his waistline.
SPO4 Riolito Jacalan of the Mabolo police said both parties claimed they called for police assistance.
Pañares said he called the Mobile Patrol Group while Santiago said he asked for assistance from the City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM).
PO3 Ricky Coca of the Motorcycle Response Unit (MRU) arrived and brought them to the Mabolo Police Station.
Both parties raised their voices inside the police station, Jacalan said.
Pañares alleged that Santiago coerced him by demanding for his car’s registration and he explained that he has a conduction permit.
NO PERMIT TO CARRY
Since Santiago was carrying a gun, police checked if it is covered with proper documents.
It was found that Santiago only has a license to possess a gun, but has no permit to bring his gun outside his residence. Santiago, who is detained at the Mabolo Police Station, will be facing complaints of grave threat, coercion and violation of the act providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.
Jacalan said Pañares has expressed interest to file charges against Santiago.
Jacalan also revealed that it was not the first time that Santiago, a resident of Sunset Village in Barangay Talamban figured in an altercation.
Insp. Delfin Bontuyan of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) also complained of Santiago’s arrogance. Bontuyan said when he was assigned at the
Talamban Police Station, they intercepted him in a checkpoint. When they asked him to open his backpack, Santiago shouted at them saying they have no search warrant and therefore, not authorized to open his bag.
There are also police officials assigned at the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 headquarters who had complained against Santiago.
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