2 SAF cops in hot water

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. ordered summary dismissal proceedings against two PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) cops who shot four boys in Makati City on Christmas Day.

Ebdane also ordered the filing of criminal and administrative charges against PO1 Raymond Maghinay and PO1 Richard Bohol after their actions resulted in the wounding of two of the boys, Calvin Teves, 13, and Bryan Rontal, 11.

"They disgraced the PNP. They should face the consequence of their actions," the PNP chief said.

Metro Manila police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco has directed Chief Superintendent Jose Gutierrez, Southern Police District (SFD) director, to investigate the incident.

"I’ve ordered a thorough probe," Velasco said.

Reports showed that Maghinay and Bohol were having a drinking session with two others in Barangay Cembo at around 9:30 p.m. last Dec. 25 when four boys began playing with firecrackers.

Irritated by the noise, the suspects allegedly pulled out their guns and fired in various directions, hitting Teves in the right foot and Rontal in the chest. The two others were hit by bullet splinters.

However, Maghinay claimed that he was confronting the young boys when his gun fell on the pavement and accidentally went off.

Responding policemen recovered from the suspects their caliber .45 pistols, with three magazines, including an extended one with six live bullets. A spent shell was also recovered at the crime scene. – Christina Mendez, Non Alquitran