A police officer assigned to the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) has been taken into custody following a violent shooting incident that targeted a fellow officer. The arrest underscores internal tensions within the force, with authorities moving swiftly to address the breach of conduct.
Details of the Shooting Incident
According to Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, the suspect, identified as Master Sergeant Jomar Florentino, allegedly fired at the vehicle of Master Sergeant Jade Querubin on May 23, 2026. The confrontation occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. inside the Haven of Peace Memorial Garden, located in Sitio Soong 1, Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.
Both individuals serve in the City Traffic Enforcement Unit of the LCPO, highlighting the close working relationship that preceded the violent altercation.
Roots of the Conflict
Brigadier General Tuaño revealed that the shooting stemmed from a long-standing personal grudge between the suspect and the victim. "The suspect had a long-standing dispute with the victim, whom he shot eight times inside the vehicle," Tuaño stated. "This was allegedly due to a long personal grudge between the suspect and the victim. He mentioned they had not been on good terms or seeing eye-to-eye for a long time based on their work."
The conflict reportedly escalated through social media, where both parties engaged in public challenges. "Both the suspect and the victim reportedly posted on social media, challenging each other to meet and settle their differences," Tuaño added. "When the victim accepted the suspect's challenge to meet at a private cemetery, they both went to the location. Upon the suspect's arrival, he immediately fired at the vehicle eight times."
Legal and Administrative Actions
Authorities have charged the suspect with frustrated murder, reflecting the severity of the attack. In response to the incident, officials have implemented several administrative measures:
- Both personnel have been relieved from their posts and reassigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section.
- The immediate supervisor of the involved officers is also facing relief from his post pending the outcome of the investigation.
- Police have confiscated the issued firearms of both individuals to prevent further escalation.
These steps aim to ensure accountability and maintain public trust in the police force during the ongoing investigation.
