Boy, 15, slain in shooting; Rizal cop faces raps

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal complaints were filed against a policeman and his civilian companion in connection with the killing of a 15-year-old boy in Rodriguez, Rizal on Sunday, police reported yesterday.

Homicide and attempted homicide charges were filed against Cpl. Arnulfo Sabillo, 37, and Jeffrey Baguio, 27, before the Rizal provincial prosecutor’s office for the shooting that killed John Francis Ompad in Barangay San Isidro on Aug. 20 at around 12:05 a.m.

Rizal police director Col. Dominic Baccay said all personnel of the Community Police Assistance Center 5, where Sabillo is assigned, were relieved from their posts to pave the way for an impartial investigation.

The names of those relieved were withheld pending the result of an investigation.

“We are saddened to learn about the incident.  Such acts of violence have no place in our society,” Baccay said in a statement.

He said the shooting was an isolated incident.

Probers said the incident occurred after Sabillo, who was in civilian clothes, and Baguio tried to pull over Ompad’s brother John Ace, who was on a motorcycle.

Police manning checkpoints are required to be in uniform. Baguio was not authorized to participate in the checkpoint.

John Ace said the two chased him until he reached home. He said because the two were in plainclothes, he was worried that they might be criminals. He hurled his helmet at the two to drive them away.

Enraged, Sabillo reportedly pulled his gun and shot John Ace, but missed. The bullet instead hit Ompad, who had emerged from their house when he heard the commotion.

Ompad, who was initially brought to the Casimiro Ynares Memorial Hospital, was later transferred to the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City where he died.

Sabillo and Baguio were apprehended on Monday afternoon after witnesses identified them to be responsible for Ompad’s death.

Sabillo was disarmed and his gun was turned over to the Rizal provincial forensic unit for ballistic and gun powder examination.

Ompad’s father Napoleon said they have yet to receive an official copy of the investigation report on the shooting.

Brig. Gen. Carlito Gaces, Calabarzon police director, said an administrative case was filed for the possible dismissal of Sabillo and his colleagues.

Sabillo reportedly had a previous case for illegal discharge of firearm.

Earlier this month, 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar was shot dead by police in Navotas City in what authorities said was a case of mistaken identity. — Ed Amoroso