Cop tagged in boy’s shooting

MANILA, Philippines – A Quezon City Police District (QCPD) policeman was identified in the shooting of a 14-year-old boy in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City before dawn Friday.

The boy, an eighth grader, and his friends were walking along Zamboanga street at around 2 a.m. on their way home when the policeman, who was driving a white motorcycle with two unidentified companions, stopped near them, case investigator Police Officer 2 Maybelline Gazingan of the Talipapa police station stated in her report.

Gazingan said the policeman’s companions allegedly got off the motorcycle and shot the boy in the leg before fleeing with the policeman.

The boy was rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center. The police report did not mention the boy’s condition following treatment.

According to Gazingan’s report, signed by station commander Superintendent Victor Pagulayan, the policeman was identified only as “Tabo,” a Filipino term for dipper.

QCPD spokesman Chief Inspector Jeffrey Bilaro told The STAR he does not know any “Tabo.”

Gazingan stated in her report that the policeman may be charged with child abuse.

Bilaro said the case has been referred to the Women’s and Children’s Protection Desk at Camp Karingal for further investigation.

Bilaro said a barangay tanod, who is apparently angry with the police, was the one who allegedly identified the policeman as a suspect. He said that the boy could not even determine who shot him.

He could not say if the victim has been discharged from the hospital but told The STAR the boy survived the shooting.

As of 5 p.m., the QCPD has yet to determine the identity of the policeman, but sources said “Tabo” reports to the Novaliches police station.

Police Officer 2 Randy Flores, who was on duty at the police station, said he does not know anyone with this alias at the station.

Gazingan and Pagulayan – who was transferred in July following an extortion incident that involved the Batasan police station, where he was commander – remain mum on the issue.