The Senate plenary hall (Senate PRIB)

The Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs committee cited in contempt on Wednesday night, April 19 a policeman who allegedly shot at a restaurant in Dumaguete City in March 2021.

Cited in contempt was Police Staff Sergeant Noel Alibata.

Senators Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada and Ronald ‘’Bato’’ dela Rosa, committee chairman, suspected Alibata of lying since his answers to their questions on the acts of violence in Negros Oriental were "confusing".

Alibata allegedly attempted to kill the two men who owned the restaurant because Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. purportedly wanted to acquire their business.

During a scuffle, Alibata was shot and was also detained by police.

Alibata denied firing his gun. A physician testified that Alibata suffered a gunshot wound.

Senators were irked at the failure and at times, refusal of Alibata to answer simple questions during the panel hearing such as who posted his P120,000 bail and why he used a different name when he was confined at a hospital.

To make space for Alibata at the Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms (OSAA), the Dela Rosa committee freed Police Staff Sergeant Renevic Rizaldo who was cited in contempt last Tuesday.

Siaton Mayor Fritz Diaz said Alibata opted to be silent on the matter because he fears for the safety of his family.

Alibata is under Police Colonel Crisaleo Tolentino, who is reportedly identified with Teves.