Manila cop charged for shooting drag-racing teen

MANILA, Philippines - A rookie policeman wanted for shooting a teenager in an illegal motorcycle drag race has been identified and charged before the city prosecutor’s office, an official said yesterday.

Police Officer 1 Edmer Villanueva was charged with frustrated murder by investigators from the Manila Police District (MPD) general assignment section, led by Senior Police Officer 1 James Poso.

Villanueva was identified by the victim and his brother Raymundo, who was with him at that time.

Villanueva was among the MPD Station 5 policemen who broke up an annual illegal drag race at the Quirino Grandstand at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 26.

In a statement given to Poso, Raymundo said Villanueva told the victim to pull over but his brother refused. This prompted Villanueva, who was also on a motorcycle, to chase the victim and kick his leg. 

Raymundo said Villanueva also pointed his gun at the victim and said: “If you don’t stop, I will shoot.” Despite the threat, the victim still did not stop. A gunshot rang out and the victim fell off his motorcycle, blood dripping from his neck.

Raymundo said he called Villanueva’s attention and convinced him to bring his brother to the hospital. Villanueva, meanwhile, told Raymundo not to follow them.

“I followed him as he put my brother on his motorcycle because I did not know where he would bring my brother,” Raymundo said.

When they reached Ospital ng Maynila, Villanueva allegedly abandoned his brother “like an animal.” The police officer also did not identify himself, which based on police procedures is a breach of protocol, according to investigators. 

The brothers were only able to identify him through police records.