Father of boy urged: Cooperate in probe of shooting

CEBU, Philippines - The police are asking the father of the 11-year-old boy who accidentally shot his 13-year-old playmate last week to cooperate in their investigation. Initial investigation revealed that the father is reportedly the owner of the unlicensed .38 caliber revolver the boy reportedly found at the billiard hall in Barangay Suba, Cebu City.

Senior Insp. Jul Muhammad Jamiri, chief Cebu City Homicide section, said they are now focusing in identifying the owner of the gun.

Jamiri said the mere absence of the suspect’s father when the mother surrendered the boy at the City Hall last Tuesday is something to consider. He said that if the father has a clear conscience, he should cooperate in the investigation to resolve the case immediately.

"The father of the victim may face possible criminal liability if they can prove that the gun was his," Jamiri said in Cebuano.

In a follow-up investigation, investigators found out that several of the suspect’s neighbors have seen the boy’s father carrying the gun in their area in several occasions.

"Neighbors have seen the father carrying the gun. Unfortunately, no one wanted to testify against the father. That is our current problem," the homicide chief said.

The mother of the suspect denied that her husband owns the gun. She said her son reportedly discovered gun under the computer machine at the billiard hall.

Jamiri clarified that because the subject is a minor, it is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that is heading the investigation. The homicide section is but a support agency.

"DSWD is the main agency concerned in the case. We are here to support them in any way," he said.

The police learned that the victim’s relatives have no plans of filing any complaint against the suspect. Still, investigation will continue, Jamiri said.

As provided by law, he said, children in conflict with the law has no criminal liability. Along this line, those who helped the boy to escape will also not face charges for obstruction of justice because the suspect is still a minor. – Ryan Christopher J. Sorote/JMO (THE FREEMAN)