The regional director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Metro Manila has been ordered relieved by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, after a shooting incident that occurred inside the bureau’s command office.

De Lima said that NBI-NCR Director Manuel George Jularbal has been ordered relieved on the basis of command responsibility.

One of Jularba’s responsibilities, the Justice secretary said, is to see to it that no one of his men is drinking liquors inside the bureau’s headquarters.

But NBI-NCR agent Nestor Pascual was found under the influence of alcohol when he shot special investigator Joselito Guillen during a birthday party celebrated in the investigating body’s facility.

Also ordered relieved were several of Jularbal’s men who were also present at the said party.

Pascual allegedly “played” with his service firearm, prompting Guillen to remove the magazine.
Pascual reportedly reloaded the magazine and fired upon the victim.

Earlier reports said that Guillen was shot three times—twice on the left side of his back and once on his right hand.

Pascual has been detained at the command center, while Guillen is now in stable condition at the Manila Doctors Hospital.

In August 2012, NBI agent Honorato Ocampo was shot dead by guard Oscar Cabebe. The shooter, however, ended up injured and appropriate charges were filed against him.

Cabebe and Ocampo’s violent encounter occurred when the latter brought a suspect for turnover to the bureau’s detention. Cabebe refused them entry for supposedly not bringing proper documentation.