PNP chief vows justice for slain teen

MANILA, Philippines — Justice will be served for a 15-year-old boy who was shot dead by a policeman in Rodriguez, Rizal, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.

In a statement issued yesterday, Acorda assured the family of John Francis Ompad that the PNP is committed to ensuring that they find justice for their loved one.

The PNP chief said a thorough and impartial investigation would be conducted.

Cpl. Arnulfo Sabillo and his civilian companion Jeffrey Baguio have been arrested in connection with a shooting incident that killed Ompad in Barangay San Isidro on Aug. 20.

The two have been charged with homicide and attempted homicide.

Acorda stressed that Sabillo’s actions do not represent the entire police force.

The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the PNP has started its investigation into the shooting.

IAS inspector general Alfegar Triambulo said a resolution on the administrative case filed against Sabillo would be released within 40 days at the latest.

Five other members of the Community Police Assistance Center 5, where Sabillo is assigned, have been relieved from their posts pending the results of the investigation on possible administrative lapses.

Initial investigation showed Sabillo, who was in civilian clothes, and Baguio were at a security checkpoint when they tried to pull over Ompad’s brother John Ace, who was on a motorcycle.

In a television interview, John Ace said the two identified themselves as policemen, but he did not pull over, thinking they were robbers. He claimed the two men were also drunk.

Police manning checkpoints are required to be in uniform. Civilians are not allowed to participate in checkpoints.

John Ace said Sabillo and Baguio chased him until he reached home.

When he hurled his helmet at the two to drive them away, he said the backrider was hit and their motorcycle fell.

John Ace said Sabillo pulled his gun and shot him, but missed.

The bullet instead hit Ompad, who emerged from their house when he heard the commotion.

Ompad’s father, Napoleon, is demanding justice for his son as he lamented that a policeman, who was supposed to serve and protect the public, killed his son. He said it was also his son’s dream to be a policeman.

“Nakita ko butas na ang tiyan, madami ng dugo na kumalat. Parang natulala ako,” Napoleon said, referring to his son.

Ompad died at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.