Quezon City cop axed for shooting student

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) has dismissed a policeman involved in the shooting of a 22-year-old student in February.

PLEB executive officer Rafael Calinisan said Cpl. Reymark Rigor was removed from service after he was found guilty of grave misconduct for shooting Adrienne Castor.

Castor was on his way home when an intoxicated Rigor fired at him after alighting from a Grab vehicle along Scout Rallos Extension on Feb. 8.

The victim survived the gun attack.

The PLEB demoted Senior M/Sgt. Neleazar Torrijos, Staff/Sgt. Fernan Concepcion and Cpl. Jimbeam Fernandez for grave neglect of duty.

The police officers failed to respond to the shooting, which happened outside the house where they were drinking.

Also demoted was S/Sgt. Bryan Busto for grave misconduct after categorizing the incident as a mere case of physical injuries instead of frustrated murder.

The PLEB exonerated S/Sgt. Jayson Osmena and Cpl. Jaycee Tordil.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte lauded the PLEB for its swift and impartial disposition of the case, saying this would encourage persons aggrieved by the police to file charges with the PLEB.

The PLEB said it is also investigating an off-duty police officer, who allegedly shot a man during a scuffle in Barangay Greater Lagro on Feb. 18.

Calinisan said they are looking into the complaint filed against Senior M/Sgt. Chester Garchitorena, who is assigned with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at Camp Crame.