Prosecutor has different version of gun-toting incident with salesman

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutor allegedly involved in a gun-toting incident last week in Quezon City now has his own version of the incident.

Assistant State Prosecutor John Resado on Friday lodged criminal raps against the salesman he allegedly threatened with a firearm, saying the salesman was the one who acted aggressively during the incident.

In a five-page affidavit before the Quezon City prosecutors office, Resado filed a complaint against Carlo Gaw Lim for grave threats, alarm and scandal, discharge of firearms and attempted homicide.

The DOJ prosecutor’s recollection of the February 3 incident outside his rented house on Ilagan St. in San Francisco del Monte painted a different version, as Resado claimed he was respectful toward Lim.

The complaint was filed on Friday afternoon, hours after Lim lodged a complaint for malicious mischief, threat using a firearm, and slight physical injuries against Resado.

“I am a responsible duly licensed gun owner for more than 10 years and I was never involved in any incident like this,” Resado’s complaint read.

Resado is known for having handled the illegal drugs case against the so-called Alabang Boys in 2009.

The DOJ prosecutor alleged that Lim shouted at him and even tried to grab his gun, and that the gun was fired during the struggle for the gun.

Lim, 25, alleged that Resado fired a gun at his car while Lim was visiting his girlfriend Kathleen Bautista.

The salesman’s car was parked in front of Bautista’s compound along Ilagan St. where Resado is a tenant.

According to Lim’s version, Resado was allegedly drunk and was angered upon seeing Lim’s car blocking the gateway. The prosecutor was accused of pointing the gun at Lim and firing at Lim’s car.

Lim claimed that some bits of metal flew off and wounded his legs during the incident, which happened at around 10:45 p.m. that night. Resado left the compound after the incident.

Resado said he wanted to report the incident at once to the Masambong police station but did not.

“…I prevented myself from doing so because it would appear that I was at fault being the gun owner and that the car of the respondent was hit by a bullet… I fear that I might be arrested and accused of the crimes that were committed by the respondent,” Resado said.

In his version, Resado said he saw Lim’s maroon Honda City parked in front of the gate and that he politely asked Lim to move his car so that Resado can park his own sedan.

The prosecutor alleged that Lim shouted at him, even shouting invectives at him but Resado claimed he maintained his courteous demeanor.

“I was totally shocked and surprised because I was so polite and respectful, and yet he replied as if I was disturbing him where in truth and in fact… he was at fault by not properly parking his car away from the driveway.”

Lim allegedly threw punches at him and that it was during the scuffle that Resado’s gun became visible through his barong.

The prosecutor alleged that Lim managed to grab his gun but while grappling for control, the gun fired and hit the car.

After recovering his car, Resado claimed that Lim was still aggressive, prompting him to just drive away to avoid any more harm or trouble.

“I preferred to leave the place although he continued to shout at me to avoid greater evil, avoid the involvement of my family and to avoid his aggressive mood,” the affidavit added. (report from Julie M. Aurelio, Philippine Daily Inquirer)