MPD cop shot by colleague taken off respirator

The family of a critically injured Manila policeman, shot by his own colleague for reportedly interfering in an anti-criminality operation in Tondo, has agreed to remove him from the respirator.

Doctors at the Chinese General Hospital have reportedly declared Police Officer 3 Genaro Pangan brain dead, according to a policeman privy to an ongoing investigation into the shooting.

Pangan, 46, detailed at the Algue police community precinct of the Moriones police station, sustained two gunshot wounds. One of the bullets pierced the left side of his face and exited at the back of his head.

Investigation showed a team from the Delpan police community precinct, composed of POs2 Merbarjin Alihuddin, Arnel Tuballi and Edgar Abenoja, had rounded up several persons along Kagitingan street at around 2:30 a.m. for vagrancy, drinking in a public place and for roaming half-naked.

The operation was part of the police campaign against robbers victimizing Divisoria traders in the wee hours of the night. The alleged suspects are teens sporting dyed hair.

While the police team’s vehicle was about to bring the arrested persons to the Delpan precinct for booking, Pangan reportedly blocked the vehicle. Witnesses said Pangan was drunk and in civilian attire.

Pangan reportedly demanded the immediate release of his nephew, Niño Pangan, who was among those rounded up.

Alihuddin, who was at the driver’s seat, told Pangan to follow them to the precinct. However, Pangan drew his gun and answered back, “Do you know me? What do you want to happen?”

Alihuddin said he sensed danger and fired twice at Pangan. He is under investigation for the shooting.

There were reports that Pangan’s neighbors have accused him of threatening or assaulting them, and trespassing on their property. – Nestor Etolle