LUCENA CITY, Quezon — A member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is facing multiple criminal charges following a late-night incident in Lucena City, where he allegedly brandished a firearm, assaulted civilians, and fired shots outside a sari-sari store.

The suspect, Patrolman Rodolfo Avila Maglang-awa Jr., 30, was arrested early Saturday morning after a violent outburst outside a corner store in Barangay Ibabang Dupay. He now faces several charges, including grave threats, unjust vexation, physical injury, and illegal discharge of a firearm.

The chaos unfolded around 2:00 a.m. on July 12, according to the Lucena City Police. Witnesses say the officer went into Baslan Store looking for ice — but what happened next was a terrifying ordeal.

Carl Vincent Gaddi Profeta, a 20-year-old student, went to the store to buy cigarettes. Without warning, Maglang-awa allegedly drew his Canik TP9 SF Elite-S pistol and pointed it at the young man, who ran for his life.

The incident escalated when two more students, Lyniel Lavilla Fulencia and Kayla May Flordeliz Quine, both 20, arrived shortly after and encountered the armed officer. Fulencia was allegedly forced to sit down in front of the cop, and as the two attempted to leave, Maglang-awa reportedly struck Quine with his weapon, sparking a scuffle.

Store owner Reagan Marilag Jacobo, 28, intervened and helped the women hide inside the shop, while Maglang-awa remained outside, screaming threats and brandishing his gun.

A now-viral video shows the officer shouting, “Papatayin kita!” (“I’ll kill you!”), before firing his weapon as terrified residents looked on.

With help from the victims and the suspect’s brother—also a police officer—Maglang-awa peacefully surrendered. Authorities seized his service pistol, which still contained seven live rounds.

The case is now with the city prosecutor.

“Wala kayong puwang sa PNP ng Bagong Pilipinas!” — Gen. Torre

PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III issued a scathing statement via social media, denouncing the officer’s actions.

“Ganitong galawan ang sumisira sa pinaghihirapan nating lahat na imahe ng pulis sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Torre wrote.

“Para sa akin, tapos na ang pagiging pulis mo. Mas malalaking rehas pa ang hihimasin mo. May this serve as a warning — I will bring the full force of the PNP laban sa sinumang pasaway. Wala kayong puwang sa PNP ng Bagong Pilipinas!”

Quezon Provincial Police Director PCol. Romulo Albacea has launched a separate probe and personally met with the victims, promising swift and decisive action.

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