Manila, Aug. 25 -- A police officer was relieved from his post for using his service firearm as a signal to start a boat race during the town's fiesta celebration in Northern Samar on Aug. 20, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said on Monday.

Fajardo also said aside from the cop, his chief of police at the Lavezares Municipal Police Station in Northern Samar, has also been relieved from the post.

In a special order signed by Northern Samar Police Provincial Office Director Col. Sonnie Omengan on Aug. 24, Police Master Sergeant Jimmy Florano was reassigned to the provincial headquarters following the incident.

The PNP said the Northern Samar incident is "unacceptable."

"While the act may have been no...